The victim of a shooting last night in south Dublin has died in hospital. James Talbot (46) was shot in a house at Abbeywood Court in Lucan shortly before 10:30pm.

He lived there in a semi-detached house with his wife and four children.

The front door of their home looks clearly damaged this morning, and gardai believe a gang of men forced their way in.

Damage to the front door of the house

A number of shots were fired and the man was rushed to Blanchardstown Hospital where he lost his fight for life a few hours ago.

A partially burnt-out Toyota car, believed to be used in the getaway, was found a short distance away in an adjoining estate.

The Toyota car that was found burnt-out near where the man was shot 

The scene remains sealed off as gardai await the arrival of a forensics team and the Office of the State Pathologist has also been notified.

Blood can be seen inside the door of the house

Gardai say the victim was well known to them and was convicted of a major drugs offence in 1998.

At this point in the investigation, gardai are eager to speak to anyone who saw the car, or anything suspicious in the area, to come forward.

If you have any information you are asked to contact the gardaí in Lucan on 01-6667300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any garda station.

This local heard the shots and says he still cannot believe what happened.