Gardai are appealing for anyone with information on last night's shooting in Dublin to come forward.

58 year old Eddie Hutch Sr was killed when four gunmen entered his home near North Strand and fired a number of shots.

Gardai refused to confirm this evening if they had been aware of any threat against the life of Mr Hutch.

However, Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan says they take all threats they do receive very seriously.

Officers say they believe a large garda presence in Dublin last night led to the killers of Eddie Hutch Sr abandoning their getaway car.

The 58 year old was gunned down at his home on Poplar Road in North Strand last night.

Gardai are appealing for anyone with information on a silver BMW, a black Peugeot car and a dark Isuzu jeep or Toyota Land Cruiser that was seen in the area.

A bottle of petrol was found in the BMW, suggesting the assailants may have intended to burn out the car.

Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan is appealing for anyone with information on the cars to come forward.