Updated 7.56pm

GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING after a man in his 60s was shot dead in Dublin.

The fatal shooting occurred at Harty Avenue in Walkinstown last night.

The shooting happened shortly before 9.30pm when the man was shot outside his home. He was taken to St James’s Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after 10pm.

A burnt out car believed to be connected with the shooting was found a short distance away on John McCormack Avenue.

The scene of the shooting and the area where the car was discovered are preserved for forensic technical examination.

Responding to reports today that the shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity, Fianna Fáil’s justice spokesperson Niall Collins said the incident was utterly reprehensible.

“The fact that innocent people are now being caught up in violent criminal attacks will only add to people’s fear of becoming victims of crime themselves,” Collins said in a statement.

The reckless nature violent gangs have brought to gun crime in Dublin is once again apparent on the streets of a quiet suburb and another family has been needlessly devastated.

He called for a dedicated gardai Public Order Unit be established for Dublin City Centre.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone who was in the Crumlin/Walkinstown areas between 9pm and 10pm to contact them at Crumlin Garda Station on 01 666 6200.

Originally published 6.40am