At about 7.50pm Gardai at Ashbourne responded to a call about a shooting in the Old Mill Estate, Ratoath, Co. Meath.

On arrival, they found a 57 year old man with gunshot wounds. He was in the driver's seat of his Mercedes car which was parked in the driveway of his home. Medical assistance was summoned and arrived very quickly after that. Dr Curtis, State Pathologist attended the scene and pronounced death later that evening. The deceased was Noel Duggan who lived with his family in the Old Mill Estate.

A male, dressed in dark clothing was seen running from the driveway and across a green towards Millview Apartments which are located on the Fairyhouse Road.

A short time later, Gardai attended at Cairn Court which is just off Glascairn Lane a short distance away on the Fairyhouse Road. They discovered two cars on fire. One of these was a black BMW car and the other was a gold coloured SAAB.

Both scenes were preserved for Technical Examination which was carried out this morning by the Garda Technical Bureau. A SIO and a Family Liaison Officer have been appointed. An incident room has been set up at Ashbourne Garda station. A conference was held last night at Ashbourne Garda Station and again this morning involving local and national units.

Superintendent James Cannon at Ashbourne Garda station this afternoon has made the following appeal:

1. Witnesses who may have seen any person or vehicle near the scene of the shooting which is near to the entrance to the Old Mill Estate or at Cairn Court at the time of the incident or any time recently which may be deemed to be suspicious or out of place.

2. Witnesses who may have seen a dark coloured saloon car, possibly BMW, which was seen leaving the Old Mill Estate at Millview Apartments and heading onto the Fairyhouse Road just after the shooting incident.

3. Witnesses who may have seen a dark coloured saloon car leaving Cairn Court some time later and which was seen leaving towards Ratoath Village.

Superintendent Cannon is appealing for anyone who may have been in the The Old Mill estate or Cairn Court areas and who may have any information on any of the points above to contact Gardai in Ashbourne on 01 8010600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Previous press releases below refer.