The scene in Munich this evening

More footage from the Munich shooting attack has emerged, showing the shooter walking on top of a carpark roof before running out of sight.

Munich Police have said they are treating the gun attack at a shopping centre as "suspected terrorism".

The following video shows further footage of the alleged gunman firing what sounds like a shot while walking on top of a carpark roof:

The authorities have confirmed that six people were killed in the attack:

[1/1] Unknown number of injured victims - sadly there are six fatal casualties #gunfire #munich

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

Reports of further shootings are unconfirmed:

[2/2] Other crime scenes than Hanauer Str. can not be confirmed #gunfire #munich

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

The police have appealed for any speculation surrounding today's event to cease:

Please restrain any speculations - that would help us a lot! #München, #oez, #Schießerei

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

Multiple shots were fired on Hanauer Street before the attack moved to the Olympia Einkaufszentrum shopping centre in the south German city at around 6pm on Friday.

Drivers have been urged to clear the motorways surrounding Munich, the newspaper Abendzeitung said.

Witnesses told police there were three gunmen, who are now on the run.

Munich Police Tweeted this message:

The suspects are still on the run. Please avoid public places. #munich #oez #gunfire

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

The force added:

Please don't take Fotos or Video of Police Action in order to avoid any helpful Information for the suspects. #munich #gunfire #oez

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

In unverified footage, a man with dark hair, wearing a black t-shirt and denim trousers, appears to take aim at people outside a McDonald's restaurant near the Olympia-Einkaufszentrum metro station.

He raises his arms, apparently holding a shotgun, and appears to fire at people outside the restaurant, who can be seen running for cover.

The sound of multiple shots being fired can be heard as shoppers and passers-by run for cover.

The sound of multiple shots being fired can be heard in an unverified video as shoppers and passers-by run for cover.

People were seen fleeing from the building in another video posted on social media.

In a picture posted online a person can be seen lying on the ground covered in blood.

Police have responded to the attack in large numbers. Dozens of vehicles can be seen lining the street outside the shopping centre, and a number of armed officers and a helicopter are at the scene.

A cordon appears to be in place and the area has been evacuated.

The shopping centre in the northern part of Munich is not far from the city's Olympic Stadium in the Moosach district of the Bavarian capital.

The number of casualties or any fatalities have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

There are unconfirmed reports of shootings in other parts of the city, Munich Police said.

Unconfirmed reports of more violence and possible #gunfire in the City Center. Situation is unclear. Please avoid public Areas. #munich #oez

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

Munich Police said in a statement: "At around ten to six today there were witnesses who called the police and said there was a shooting at the Hanauer Street.

"The shooting moved from that street to the shopping centre. The witnesses said there were three different people with weapons."

The police said that they did not have any details about the number of victims or injuries and that no arrests had been made.

They said that the Metro system is not working at the moment and urged people to stay at home or inside nearby buildings to seek shelter.

Munich's main railway station has been evacuated and rail travel and local public transport in the area has been stopped, according to Bavarian radio station Antenne Bayern.

Nightclubs in Munich will be closed on Friday night, a local television network reported.

US president Barack Obama said: "Our hearts go out to those who may have been injured. It's still an active situation and Germany is one of our closest allies so we are going to pledge all the support that they may need in dealing with these circumstances."

He said it was a "good reminder" that people's "way of life, our freedoms, our ability to go about our business every day" was dependent on law enforcement.

A four-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being hit by a car which failed to stop.

Scotland Yard said the child was hit by a silver Mercedes E Class on Green Lanes in north London on Friday afternoon.

The boy was taken to hospital by London's Air Ambulance.

A spokesman said: "It is not known how many people were inside the vehicle, which drove off towards Winchmore Hill."

Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses. Anyone who witnessed the accident or may know the whereabouts of the Mercedes was asked to call Enfield Police via 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Armed policeman in Munich this evening

A gunman who murdered nine people and injured 16 others including children at a Munich shopping centre was an 18-year-old German-Iranian, police believe.

Three people remain in a critical condition after the teenager, who has not been named, opened fire in a McDonald's before rampaging through the nearby Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall on Friday evening.

Police said the victims killed in the massacre included adolescents, while there are children among the 16 people injured.

Unverified video footage appeared to show a man opening fire at people outside a McDonald's restaurant near to the shopping centre.

The sound of multiple shots being fired can be heard as shoppers and passers-by run for cover.

People were seen fleeing from the building in another video posted on social media.

Munich Police confirmed on Twitter that there had been eight deaths and an unknown number of injuries.

Sadly there are eight fatal casualties now.#gunfire #munich #oez

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

Police are urging people to avoid public places and said that they could not confirm if there were other crime scenes apart from Hanauer Street.

Police have responded to the attack in large numbers. Dozens of vehicles can be seen lining the street outside the shopping centre, and a number of armed officers and a helicopter are at the scene.

A cordon was put in place and the area has been evacuated.

Rail travel and public transport in the city has been stopped and Munich's central station has been closed, according to local media.

Drivers have been urged to clear the motorways around Munich, and nightclubs in the city will remain closed on Friday night, local media said.

A helpline for anyone requiring information on relatives or friends has been set up:

Important notice:for any information for relatives or inqiuiries about missing persons please dial:0800 7766350! #oez, #München, #schießerei

— Polizei München (@PolizeiMuenchen) July 22, 2016

Refuge has been offered to people stranded around the city via social media, under the hashtag #OffeneTur - or #OpenDoor - inviting people to stay if they are unable to get home.

Facebook's Safety Check feature has also been activated so that people can let friends and family know that they are safe.

The shopping centre in the northern part of Munich is not far from the city's Olympic stadium in the Moosach district of the Bavarian capital.

Munich Police previously said in a statement: "At around ten to six today there were witnesses who called the police and said there was a shooting at the Hanauer Street.

"The shooting moved from that street to the shopping centre. The witnesses said there were three different people with weapons."

The attack took place on the fifth anniversary of the lone wolf terrorist attacks by Anders Behring Breivik in Norway in which 77 people were killed.

Munich police on high alert after terror attack

German police say 10 people are dead, including the likely attacker, in the horrific Munich shooting incident on Friday evening.

Nine people were shot dead by a gunman who opened fire at a Munich shopping centre before killing himself, police in the German city said.

The unidentified gunman is believed to have acted alone in the attack that left at least 10 others injured.

Multiple shots were fired on Hanauer Street in the south German city before the attacker moved to the Einkaufszentrum shopping centre at around 6pm on Friday night.

It was earlier feared that there were up to three gunmen at large as the situation unfolded, sending the city into lockdown.

People were urged to find refuge and there were reports of people near the scene locking themselves in shops.

Munich police gave a "cautious" all-clear at around 1.30am local time.

The police said in a tweet: "We found a man, who killed him himself. We assume, that he was the only shooter."

Footage of the attack appeared to show a man opening fire on shoppers near a McDonald's restaurant, sending bystanders running for their lives.

Public figures have offered their condolences to people in Munich following the shopping centre shooting, with Charlie Flanagan, Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, saying he was "horrified" by the attack.

"Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of anyone affected by this horrific event, and we extend our deep condolences to the German people.

"My department is monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the Irish Embassy in Berlin. At this time we are not aware of any Irish citizens having being caught up in this evening's incident.

"I urge any Irish citizens in the area to follow the German authorities' advice to avoid public areas and to stay indoors."

US president Barack Obama said: "Our hearts go out to those who may have been injured. It's still an active situation and Germany is one of our closest allies so we are going to pledge all the support that they may need in dealing with these circumstances."

He said it was a "good reminder" that people's "way of life, our freedoms, our ability to go about our business every day" was dependent on law enforcement.

German president Joachim Gauck said: "I am deeply shocked by the murderous attack in Munich.

"My thoughts are with all the victims and all those who are grieving or fearing for a loved one. And I feel a bond with all those who are working to protect people and save lives."

Hillary Clinton tweeted: "Monitoring the horrific situation in Munich. We stand with our friends in Germany as they work to bring those responsible to justice."

Donald Trump posted on Facebook: "Our prayers are with all those affected by the horrible attacks in Munich. This cannot continue. The rise of terrorism threatens the way of life for all civilized people, and we must do everything in our power to keep it from our shores."

Another attack, this time in Germany. Many killed. God bless the people of Munich.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 22, 2016

The scene in Munich yesterday evening

A gunman who murdered nine people and injured 16 others including children at a Munich shopping centre was an 18-year-old German-Iranian, police believe.

Three people remain in a critical condition after the teenager, who has not been named, opened fire in a McDonald's before rampaging through the nearby Olympia-Einkaufszentrum mall on Friday evening.

Police said the victims killed in the massacre included adolescents, while there are children among the 16 people injured.

Investigators suspect the youth, who is thought to have lived in the south German city for more than two years, acted alone before killing himself.

Any motive behind the attack currently remains "totally unclear" and investigations will be "running on all cylinders", Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae said.

Speaking at a press conference in the early hours of Saturday morning he said the attack "makes us speechless and our thoughts go out in particular to the victims".

"As a result of the manhunt with a large-scale operation force we have found a male person, who given the current level of intelligence committed suicide," Mr Andrae said.

"On the basis of witness reports and on the basis of CCTV footage we assume that this person is the suspect.

"We currently have no indications that there were further perpetrators involved. The suspect is, according to the current level of intelligence, an 18-year-old Iranian from Munich."

Mr Andrae said inquiries suggested he had lived in the city for more than two years and is not thought to have been known to law enforcement agencies.

"As to the background or motive of the offence it's totally unclear. The investigations will be running on all cylinders through the night," Mr Andrae said.

A reporter at the press conference asked if a "game" posted on Facebook offering free food at the McDonald's at 4pm on Friday was an attempt to encourage people to congregate at the scene before the attack.

Mr Andrae said the game was "one part of the comprehensive investigation we are conducting".

Police in Munich have appealed to witnesses who filmed the attack on mobile phones to pass the footage on to them.

Unverified clips posted on social media appeared to show a man shouting slogans. Another appeared to show people running for their lives as a man opened fire on pedestrians.

Munich police also urged that pictures of the victims were not shared on social media or reproduced.

The force first received reports of a shots being fired near the north Munich shopping centre at around 5.50pm local time on Friday evening.

The attacker opened fire in the McDonald's on Hanauer Street with a weapon thought to have been a handgun.

From there the suspect moved into the shopping centre where the killed and injured were hit, police said.

Armed units flooded the area, with officers in plain clothes seen running through the mall in search of the gunman.

His body was found in a side street close to the shopping centre at around 9.30pm local time.

In the wake of the hunt police said they believed the teenager had committed suicide, although Mr Andrae said a post-mortem was needed to see if he died as a result of officers' gunfire.

Officers recovered weapons with "relatively large" magazines at the scene, contrary to earlier suggestions that long-barrelled guns were used.

Mr Andrae also dismissed earlier fears that there were up to three gunmen involved in the attack triggered by two bystanders fleeing in a car at "considerable speed".

There were reports of people barricading themselves in shops in the shopping centre as the attack unfolded and Munich was put into lockdown.

People out on the streets were urged to run and find refuge, public transport was shut down and motorists were told to clear the city's roads and motorways to give clear passage for the emergency services.

Locals offered their homes as safe havens using the hashtag #OffeneTur - or #OpenDoor and invited people left stranded by the emergency response to stay.

Around 2,300 police officers were deployed on the city's streets and specialist counter-terror units were flown in. Police forces in neighbouring Austria and Switzerland also sent officers to assist.

Munich police eventually gave a "cautious" all-clear at around 1:30am local time.

Mr Andrae said there was no evidence to give fear of further attacks, but warned the threat remained present.

He said: "At the moment we have no intelligence that this brutal and violent act should give rise to a feeling of insecurity. But one should add, and this is not a new insight, there is no such thing as absolute safety and security, but we have no further indication that there is reason to feel insecure or unsafe or to hide away."

The killings come after a 17-year-old Afghan asylum seeker launched an axe and knife attack on passengers on a train in Wuerzburg, southern Germany on Monday.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in which five people were injured. The teenage axeman, Riaz Khan Ahmadzai, was shot dead by police.

Friday's Munich attack took place eight days after more than 80 lives were lost when a lorry ploughed into crowds watching a Bastille Day firework display in Nice, France. IS said it was also responsible for the attack by 31-year-old Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel.

Stock image

Two men - one armed with a gun - forced their way into a parochial house in west Belfast and threatened a priest before making off with cash.

The aggravated burglary took place at St Michael the Archangel on Finaghy Road North at around 7.50pm on Friday evening.

Detective Sergeant Michael Hawthorn said the priest was left badly shaken by his ordeal.

"Our inquiries are at an early stage, however at this time we believe the pair threatened a priest who was inside the property before fleeing with a sum of money and a set of keys," he said.

"The priest has been left badly shaken by his ordeal and we are appealing for the public's help in identifying the perpetrators of this crime."

The PSNI has urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Sinn Fein west Belfast MLA Alex Maskey described the robbers as "despicable thugs".

Via Belfast Telegraph/Independent.ie

Police secure the area of the shooting at the McDonald's outside the OEZ shopping centre yesterday

An 18-year-old German-Iranian man opened fire in a crowded Munich shopping mall and a nearby McDonald's killing nine people and wounding 16 others before killing himself, the chief of police in the Bavarian capital said on Saturday.

Police gave a "cautious all clear" early on Saturday morning, more than seven hours after the attack began, and brought much of the city to a standstill as all public transit systems were shut down amid a massive manhunt.

They said a body found near the scene was that of the shooter and he appeared to have acted alone.

Investigators are also probing claims he may have set up a fake Facebook account which he used to post an advert offering free food in a bid to lure children to their deaths.

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae told a news conference the suspect was a dual citizen from Munich and his motive was still "fully unclear".

Mr Andrae said the suspect's body was found about two-and-a-half hours after the attack and was identified to be the shooter based on witness statements and closed circuit television footage of the attack.

He was not previously known to police and there was no evidence of any links to terrorist organisations, Mr Andrae said.

Witnesses had reported seeing three men with firearms near the Olympia Einkaufszentrum mall.

However, the police chief said two people who fled the area quickly were investigated but had "nothing to do with the incident".

Mr Andrae said the nine fatalities included young people and that children were among the 16 wounded, three of whom were in critical condition.

Neighbours of the attacker told German media that he was a "quiet guy."

"He lived right next to me," German newspaper Bild quoted a neighbour as saying.

"A friend of mine went to school with him and said he was rather a quiet guy. He recognised him from the videos from the scene."

Police commandos, armed with night vision equipment and dogs, raided an apartment in the Munich neighbourhood of Maxvorstadt early on Saturday where Bild said the gunman lived with his parents.

Friday was also the fifth anniversary of the massacre in Norway by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people. Breivik is a hero for far-right militants in Europe and America.

Thousands of people had been crowding the streets and squares in Munich's city centre on Friday for a beer festival.

"There were a few people who came running towards us who were screaming and in panic. But mostly it was surprisingly calm," said Elena Hakes, wearing a blue traditional dress, who had been with a friend in the Odeonsplatz square.

The incidents in Germany follow an attack in Nice, France, in which a Tunisian drove a truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, killing 84. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The Munich assault was also reminiscent of militant attacks in a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2013, and in Mumbai, India, in 2008.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said on Twitter: "Horrible killings in Munich. Taking place on the same day as we mourn & remember the appalling terror that hit Norway so hard five years ago."

Via Independent.ie

Members of the Soldiers of Odin group in Dublin

THIS IS the leader of the an­ti-Islamic Soldiers of Odin group who have been carry­ing out patrols on the streets of Ireland in recent weeks.

Their founder is self-confessed neo-Nazi Mika Ranta, who has a conviction for a racially-motivated assault in 2005 and another for aggravated assault following an attack on a man and woman in Finland last year.

The group has since spread its tentacles to various other European countries and to Canada, the U.S. and Australia.

They set up an Irish chapter earlier this year and have taken pictures of themselves 'on patrol' in several counties, including Dublin, Carlow, Wexford, Kildare and Kilkenny.

Soldiers of Odin members in Wexford

They claim their aim is to prevent street crimes committed by Muslims, despite security sources saying they have encountered no such problems.

A spokesman for the group told the Sunday World earlier this month that they hadn't come across any Muslims committing crimes and went on to say they hadn't even met one Muslim so far.

They say they are not racist or violent, but will defend themselves if necessary and intervene if they see something happening.

The spokesman refused to say how many members there currently are in Ireland – but sources say they are very small in number. The largest number of them pictured together at any one time has been around 16.

Members of the group also refuse to reveal their identities as they say they are fearful it will cause them problems in work or in their local areas.

Earlier this month a spokesman for the group told the Sunday World that its members in Ireland were made up of many nationalities, but confirmed they had no black or Muslim members.

It is unclear how many Irish members are in the group, and anti-racism campaigners say far-right movements rarely gain much traction here.

Sources in Carlow say Obadia and pals have been spotted on patrol in the area - along with several other towns around the country.

One Carlow witness said: "Their street patrol the day I saw them involved coming out of post office, walking up Tullow Street as far as Hadden's or Shaw's and coming back down. I call that walking up and down Tullow Street, but what would I know."

While their logo appears to be copying that of motorcycle mobs, the group are not popular with some of those gangs. They were forced to close down a chapter of the group in Borlange, Sweden, after they were attacked by members of the notorious 'Bandidos' motorcycle gang.

And while the Soldiers of Odin also claim to be protect female members of the community, media in Finland reported that some members in that country have convictions for violence against women.

The Aamulehti newspaper revealed that one member was convicted after he pushed a woman to the wall and punched her twice in the face, breaking her nose. Another member assaulted a woman and threw her to the ground, hitting her head off a TV stand.

Others have convictions for attacks against women, while one member has a conviction for assaulting his son as well as drugs and weapons offences.

There is no suggestion members in Ireland have any such convictions.

However, one of their leading members in Ireland responded to a female critic online by saying: "You deserve to be gang-raped".

Islam is not the group's only target. The Irish chapter recently posted a picture of US president Barack Obama and asked their supporters to describe him in one word. 'Chimpanzee', 'subhuman' and 'negro' were among the responses.

The group are the latest far-right group to try and get a foothold in Ireland. Another group, Pegida Ireland, tried to hold a rally on O'Connell Street in February but it was cancelled after speakers were attacked by members of Anti-Fascist Action.

A psychotic gangland criminal, who is a suspect in at least two feud-related murders, has fled to England because of the attention he was getting from gardai.

The volatile thug, who was based in Finglas, quit Dublin because he is "sick and tired" of the in-your-face policing tactics used by gardai and specialist units against the mobsters.

"This individual is temporarily out of the country and the situation is that he has become sick and tired of all the constant garda attention that he has been getting over the last few months," a source told the Herald.

"He was identified as a key player in the Kinahan-Hutch feud because of his close association with the cartel, and gardai have certainly been keeping tabs on him."

Gardai had been operating a search-on-sight policy with the gangster and often used overt surveillance, such as parking near his home, when he was inside.

While he has fled, his girlfriend remains in north Dublin.

Since the Regency Hotel attack on February 5, the thug has also been warned of an active threat against his life.

His home has been raided and he has been arrested and questioned about the murder of Eddie Hutch Snr in Dublin's north-inner city on February 8.

Gardai have also been investigating if the criminal was involved in the murder of Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan (55), a former business partner of Gerry 'the Monk' Hutch, who was shot dead outside his home in Ratoath, Co Meath, on March 23.

The thug was warned about an active threat against his life because of his suspected role in the murders, but abused detectives when they issued him with the formal notice four months ago.

The criminal has forged a fierce reputation over the past two years and is now considered one of the most powerful gangsters in north Dublin.

It is understood he has a number of "runners" working for him, and while not considered a drugs wholesaler he is believed to be making thousands of euro each week from his involvement in drug distribution.

He is also linked to a Cabra criminal who was jailed last year in relation to a savage assault after which the victim died.

Via Herald.ie

Ali Sonboly

This is the teenager who killed nine people and injured 27 in Munich in a frenzied gun attack yesterday.

However, there is no evidence that the gunman, who killed nine people and injured 27 in Munich, had links to Islamic State according to local police.

Born and raised in the German city, officials said the 18-year-old, named in reports as Ali Sonboly, acted alone when he went on a shooting spree at a shopping centre and fast-food restaurant on Friday.

They also revealed he used a 9mm pistol and had 300 rounds of ammunition in his rucksack when he went on what they called a "classic shooting rampage".

Police said the weapon was a Glock 17 handgun which had had its serial number illegally filed off and there were indications the gunman had been in psychiatric care and treated for depression.

They confirmed his room in the flat he was living in had been searched and that documents of "frenzied attacks" had been discovered.

Ten of those injured in the mass-shooting are said to be in a critical condition, including a 13-year-old boy.

Parts of the crime scene have now been cleared and released but police said it was too soon to say as to when the Olympic shopping centre would re-open

Officials said the attacker was not known to them and he had no criminal record.

Police investigator Robert Heimberger told a police press conference in Munich that it appeared the gunman had hacked a Facebook account and lured people to the shopping centre with an offer of free food.

The posting, sent from a young woman's account, urged people to come to the centre at 4pm, saying: "I'll give you something if you want, but not too expensive."

Mr Heimberger said: "It appears it was prepared by the suspect and then sent out."

Police gave a "cautious all clear" early on Saturday morning, more than seven hours after the attack began, and brought much of the city to a standstill as all public transit systems were shut down amid a massive manhunt.

They said a body found near the scene was that of the shooter and he appeared to have acted alone.

Munich police chief Hubertus Andrae told a news conference the suspect was a dual citizen from Munich and his motive was still "fully unclear".

Mr Andrae said the suspect's body was found about two-and-a-half hours after the attack and was identified to be the shooter based on witness statements and closed circuit television footage of the attack.

Witnesses had reported seeing three men with firearms near the Olympia Einkaufszentrum mall.

However, the police chief said two people who fled the area quickly were investigated but had "nothing to do with the incident".

Neighbours of the attacker told German media that he was a "quiet guy."

"He lived right next to me," German newspaper Bild quoted a neighbour as saying.

"A friend of mine went to school with him and said he was rather a quiet guy. He recognised him from the videos from the scene."

Police commandos, armed with night vision equipment and dogs, raided an apartment in the Munich neighbourhood of Maxvorstadt early on Saturday where Bild said the gunman lived with his parents.

Friday was also the fifth anniversary of the massacre in Norway by Anders Behring Breivik, who killed 77 people. Breivik is a hero for far-right militants in Europe and America.

Thousands of people had been crowding the streets and squares in Munich's city centre on Friday for a beer festival.

"There were a few people who came running towards us who were screaming and in panic. But mostly it was surprisingly calm," said Elena Hakes, wearing a blue traditional dress, who had been with a friend in the Odeonsplatz square.

The incidents in Germany follow an attack in Nice, France, in which a Tunisian drove a truck into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, killing 84. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

The Munich assault was also reminiscent of militant attacks in a shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2013, and in Mumbai, India, in 2008.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende said on Twitter: "Horrible killings in Munich. Taking place on the same day as we mourn & remember the appalling terror that hit Norway so hard five years ago."

Via Independent.ie

It was claimed the money came from 'nixers'

A convicted drug dealer who claimed he had €40,000 in bank accounts from “nixers” as a tiler has lost an appeal against a confiscation order

Michael Byrne (46), with an address at the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, was observed counting packages in the rear of a van which were later analysed and found to contain Diamorphine worth approximately €6 million. He was subsequently sentenced to 17 years imprisonment.

Following his conviction in March 2010, the Director of Public Prosecutions sought an inquiry to determine whether Byrne had benefited or had assets attributable to drug dealing. A statement was served seeking the confiscation of €40,253 – the entire proceeds of three bank accounts held by him.

A forensic accountant was cross examined in relation to her analysis of bank accounts. Her conclusion was that for the period in question, Byrne had a declared income of about €43,000 net and had spent about €188,000 net.

Mr Justice Tony Hunt acceded to the application and ordered the confiscation of the sum on July 31, 2012.

Byrne sought to appeal the confiscation order on grounds that the judge erred in admitting into evidence a statement which, it was contended, had no evidential value.

Giving judgment in the Court of Appeal yesterday, Mr Justice George Birmingham said the thrust of the cross examination was that the funds were likely the proceeds of “nixers”.

However, the trial judge indicated that he expected to have been provided with some details, “perhaps a few examples or the like”.

Mr Justice Hunt had said he was satisfied that Byrne did carry out business as a tiler but the question was whether the sums found in the bank account were more likely attributable to that than to his activities in relation to illicit drugs.

The judge was satisfied that no valid or credible explanation had been provided in the course of the the inquiry as to the source of funds.

In the Court of Appeal's view, the forensic accountant was entitled to carry out such inquiries as she regarded appropriate and then to have regard to the material that was available to her in reaching her view.

She attended court, gave direct evidence and was cross examined.

At that stage there were two alternative theories before the court: that the funds came into existence as a result of “nixers” or that the funds represented the proceeds of drug trafficking.

In the Court of Appeal's view, Mr Justice Birmingham said that the conclusion reached by the trial judge was open to him and there was ample evidence for it.

Mr Justice Birmingham, who sat with Mr Justice Garrett Sheehan and Mr Justice John Edwards, dismissed the appeal and affirmed the confiscation order.

Eamon Cooke

Criminologist John O’Keeffe profiles Eamon Cooke, 'Ireland’s Jimmy Savile'.

Adult sex offenders

IT is sometimes difficult for the general public to imagine the horror that lies behind sex offenders such as Eamon Cooke. Sex offenders fall in to various cat­egories, each with their own special brand of terror. Adult sex offenders such as Larry Murphy tend to fall into that special brand of psychopathic category that can unleash merciless violence on their unfortunate victim. Thankfully, as their victims will be adult, there is some possibility of escape – as Murphy found out to his own dismay.

Child sex offenders/Cooke – paedophiles and haebophiles

THOSE that abuse pre-pubescent children are strictly categorised as paedophiles. They will often speak of being in love with the child. They did not abuse, they state, but have a “relationship” with them, which was not only welcomed but also encour­aged by the child. In the fantasy world of paedophiles such as Cooke, normal adults simply do not understand the “special” connection they have with such children. An equally worrying category is that of haebophiles, who will abuse children during or just after puberty. Young girls can at this stage of their emotional and sexual develop­ment be receptive to the advances of the middle-aged sexual predator such as Cooke, who will have presented themselves in a wholly different light.

Cooke was a sexual predator and then some as he was one of the smaller cate­gories of child abuser who spanned both deviancies – in other words he offend­ed against both pre- and post-pubescent children. Furthermore, he abused both girls and boys. To Cooke no child was too young, too old, or of the incorrect gender. Cooke was the most savage of all the beasts in the child-abusing jungle.

The children whom Cook abused – in the case of Philip Cairns, whom he may have also murdered – will not have a nuanced view of adult behaviours. This was Ireland in the '70s, '80s and '90s – an Ireland where emigration and incessant depressive national navel-gazing was the norm. Enter stage left a charismatic and seemingly important and fun man who could introduce them to the world of “illegal” broadcast media and a range of apparently worthwhile people.

The fact that Cooke may have been filthy and prone to outbursts were noth­ing beside the “treats” that he would bestow on all children who came to him. A couple of pounds here, a bit of flattery there, an understanding nod that their parents just didn’t understand them. In no time the stage had been set for Cooke’s grooming process to begin proper.

Cooke the psychopath

COOKE was not, however, a “lover” of children in any sense. Although his abuse spanned all age groups and abuse his psychological typology will be that of the child rapist – he was therefore as unpredictable in his sexual and physical abuse as he was “engaging”. This goes to the heart of how he operated – or his modus. The “showboater” one minute who could charm both children and adults alike, the child sex abuser the next. He may have presented as a disheveled filthy mid­dle-aged man but like all true psychopaths he operated like a magician and many would not have seen where the real tricks were going on. In other words his charm, charisma, control and apparent influence distracted from the real truth – here was one of God’s lowest creatures – a man with no moral compass, no remorse and zero empathy for the tragedy he heaped on many children’s lives.

Cooke’s grooming – the car

NEVER underestimate the draw of a flash car to a child. Multiple child sex of­fender Jimmy Savile drove a Rolls Royce. Paedophile DJ Jonathan King drove a €2.7m Bugatti. Eamon Cooke drove a Jaguar – a car as rare as hen’s teeth in Ire­land 25 years ago. This is the part of the grooming process for already vulnerable, bored and uninspired youth. Few men owned a marquee car and even fewer chil­dren could imagine being proximate to one, let alone being allowed to sit in one.

The Jaguar then became Cooke’s calling card around Dublin. Having access to Garda communication, he would appear at crime scenes before the gardai – the Jaguar became a moving metaphor for his utter evil.

Philip Cairns and Cooke

THE mother of Philip Cairns has stated that her son never spoke of Cooke or of even knowing him, which has led some to believe that Cooke may not after all have been involved in his disappearance or murder. It would have been highly unusual for her son to so do. Children typically do not involve their parents in conversations about their friends and less so if they have made adult “friends.” It is suggested that the reasons for this is twofold. Firstly children are by their very nature reticent to discuss anything of substance with their parents when Philip’s age for instance – like children over the generations, they live in the moment and friendships come and go.

Another issue with a predator like Cooke was that he would almost certainly have issued veiled threats to all children who came to his personal attention of an overt – or more likely – a covert nature. Philip Cairn’s would have been fascinated and repelled by Cooke in equal measure, as will many of his victims. It is the fake charisma of sexual deviants such as Cooke that ensure little or no reporting may ever occur of their behaviours.

Alan Bradley (left) with brother Wayne

CONVICTED armed robber Alan 'Fatpuss' Bradley is getting ready for his release from jail and is sport­ing a new 'Grizzly Ad­ams' look.

The DJ and bodybuild­er had been brought to the High Court where judicial reviews were being heard this week.

The Finglas mobster was jailed for seven years in 2011, later reduced on ap­peal, for his role in an at­tempted security van heist organised by Eamon ‘the Don’ Dunne.

Alan 'Fatpuss' Bradley DJ'ing in 2009

Fatpuss sported a hipster beard as he was brought to the Courts of Criminal Justice building under tight security.

Despite the handcuffs and chains, he smiled and joked with his escorts.

The new look sported by the convicted armed robber

The body-conscious gang­ster has previously competed in body-builder competitions complete with fake tan.

He has been serving his time in the high-security Port­laoise Prison and will have finished his sentence before the end of the year.

His brother Wayne, who got five years for his part in the same failed heist, has been out of jail since last December.

Earlier this year, the Sunday World revealed how Fatpuss had to use his influence from behind bars to keep his brother out of trouble.

It is understood Fatpuss appealed to members of the Kinahan Cartel to get a Finglas criminal to back off from trying to kill his brother.

During his time inside, Wayne had been attacked at Mountjoy by two vio­lent criminals on behalf of the rival mobster, which left him in hospital for more than a week.

Originally charged with the Bradleys over the 2007 robbery was Eamon Dunne, who dragged out the case for years.

The gang had been un­der surveillance for nine months before their ar­rest in Celbridge in 2007.

The robbery would have netted €880,000, but their arrest brought an end to a whole series of armed heists.

Alan and his younger brother Wayne have been part of Dublin's gangland crime scene since the 1990s.

The Bradleys were suspects for the 1996 robbery at the Sant­ry Omni­plex in which €600,000 was stolen.

Around the same time, they are thought to have carried out a robbery at Cornelscourt, Dublin in which €400,000 was stolen.

Fatpuss has also been known to carry out pranks, including pre­tending to throw cash from the back of a sec­ond-hand security van on the streets of Finglas.

In another he posted a pho­to of himself on social media pre­tending to break into an ATM and concert venue.

Patrick Lawlor

Patrick Lawlor (24) went missing from Darndale, Coolock, north Dublin on December 16, 2004.

Gardai in Coolock are continuing their ongoing investigation in the disappearance of missing 24-year-old Patrick Lawlor, from Darndale, Coolock.

Patrick was reported missing on December 16, 2004, and his disappearance has previously featured on Crimecall in the past. 

As part of the investigation, a further search is being conducted on the grounds of the now-derelict Belcamp House.

The building is situated off the R139 road, which leads from the M1 to the Malahide Road. 

Initial site preparation works commenced this morning, and it is anticipated that the search will commence next Monday.

The search could last for up to three weeks.

The result of the search will determine the future direction of the investigation.  

Gardai at Coolock are appealing to anyone who may have information on the disappearance of Patrick Lawlor to contact Coolock garda station on 01 6664200, the garda Confidential Telephone Line on 1 800 666 111, or any garda station. 

People enjoy the gigantic slide in Dublin today (Pic: Independent.ie)

This certainly is a different way to get around town.

A total of 2,500 lucky punters will get the chance to slide their way down this massive 260ft waterslide in Dublin, over the course of today and tomorrow.

More than 20,000 people applied online for the chance to slip and slide down 98fm's 'Big Slide Home', which the organisers hope to make an annual event.

Traffic diversions were put in place around Winetavern Street, close to Christchurch Cathedral, where all the action is taking place.

The slide takes two hours to inflate and secure into place and another hour to fill the splash pool with water, ensuring a great time for the lucky sliders who get to have a go.

The organisers say that any bad weather won't affect the event.

"People are coming to get wet so a bit of rain won't hurt us," a spokeswoman told Independent.ie.

Donal Corkery/Jason Kennedy

Via Independent.ie

The father of a toddler snatched from a Primark store by two teenagers says their lack of remorse has made it very difficult for him to forgive them.

The two girls, aged just 13 and 14, were sentenced to three years and three months' detention after they used sweets to entice the child out of the shop.

They had already unsuccessfully tried to trick another little girl's mother and police went on to find troubling internet searches about rape and exploitation on a tablet computer.

Both had tried to claim that they abducted the two-year-old in April from the city centre store in Newcastle following pressure from a third party. But police found there was no evidence of anyone else being involved in the kidnap which resulted in the little girl coming to no harm.

Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain to Denise Fergus, the mother of James Bulger, the father said: "I think my life came to an end, our daughter is the essence of why you want to live and why you want to carry on in life.

"There's also the feeling of guilt as you're meant to be there for them, you're meant to protect them.

"You try not to be suspicious of strangers but unfortunately you are forced to be in a way, you can never be too cautious and you can never be over protective of your child.

"I would have forgiven them if they had come clean, but not showing any remorse makes it very difficult to forgive."

During the case, Newcastle Crown Court heard that the younger of the defendants had been groomed by an unknown man and swapped sexual messages on the chat site ooVoo.

Mr Justice Globe, who was a junior counsel in the prosecution of the Bulger case, said the toddler had been at risk of serious harm.

Ross Hussey MLA leaving Ramada hotel

A high-profile politician is taking huge security risks by meeting total strangers for sex sessions.

Ulster Unionist MLA Ross Hussey last night admitted he had also been reckless in sending nude photos of himself.

“I deserve all I get,” said Mr Hussey.

“I made a terrible error of judgement in sending photos and sincerely regret that my actions have brought me to public attention for all the wrong reasons.”

Several days ago Mr Hussey met an undercover Sunday Life reporter at a Belfast hotel.

He spoke of enjoying meetings with random individuals who he made contact with through a website where many members use fake identities.

Brazen Hussey made the confession after he sent the same journalist an unprompted collection of naked photos of himself, including one full frontal image.

Mr Hussey talked of his bedroom fantasies online before showing up at the hotel last week for what he thought was a sex session with the reporter, who he had never met before and whose name he did not know.

Mr Hussey, 57, is chairman of the Policing Board’s audit and risk committee and like all board members he is subject to a strict code of conduct.

As a member of the Policing Board, he is a target for dissident republicans and, like all members, he has been advised to be aware of his personal security at all times.

But despite these serious safety concerns and strict code of conduct obligations, Mr Hussey travelled 70 miles from his Omagh home to the Ramada Plaza hotel at Shaws Bridge to meet a random internet ‘friend’.

Policing Board rules state members must “not conduct themselves in such a manner as to bring the board into disrepute”.

But by sending a total stranger - whose age he could not know - full-frontal naked photos of himself and then attempting to arrange a sex session in a hotel Mr Hussey may have breached this order.

The West Tyrone MLA’s actions also appear to flout Assembly rules that instruct members to “never undertake any action that would bring the Assembly into disrepute”.

Mr Hussey not only talked about his sex life during his taped hotel conversation with an undercover Sunday Life reporter – he also slagged off other politicians.

The worst of his scorn was reserved for former DUP leader Peter Robinson, making unfounded comments about him during his time as First Minister.

This newspaper was tipped-off about Mr Hussey’s penchant for stranger sex by one of his constituents in Omagh who was able to identity the MLA on the site.

Our source was angry that he voted against gay marriage at Stormont while at the same time using an internet forum to arrange sex sessions with total strangers.

When a Sunday Life reporter signed up to the website it took just seconds to find Mr Hussey’s profile. A picture that accompanied it showed him lying on his back topless with his face clearly in view.

Mr Hussey listed his sexual “interests” including some too graphic to publish.

There was also feedback from other individuals he had met, with one saying after a sexual encounter last March: “Met him for fun, showed up on time, took me to his place, and we both had a happy ending.”

Over a two-month period our undercover journalist exchanged more than a dozen messages with Mr Hussey through the website.

A number of the comments he made were highly sexual.

After sending nude pictures of hiself, Mr Hussey asked for pictures of the reporter in return. From there arrangements were made to meet at the Ramada Plaza hotel in Shaws Bridge in south Belfast ten days ago.

This newspaper had concerns that the person we had been communicating with might not be Mr Hussey, and that someone may have been using his image and details.  But it was the MLA who arrived in the lobby bar as agreed.

During a 15-minute chat he talked about his sexual fantasies and how they conflicted with being a member of the Orange Order which insists its members uphold traditional Christian values.

Mr Hussey denied ever paying for prostitutes and said he joined the stranger sex website because those on it “trust each other”.

Encouraging the undercover journalist, he said: “It’s like everything else, you go as far as you want to.”

Mr Hussey then accompanied the undercover reporter from the bar at the Ramada hotel to a pre-booked bedroom.

During the short walk he slagged off the DUP’s former First Minister Peter Robinson and his wife Iris Robinson, whose career ended after she famously had an affair with 19-year-old Kirk McCambley.

The Policing Board member fired off criticisms about other politicians’ lives without a hint of irony about his own behaviour.

After arriving in the hotel room the Sunday Life journalist told Mr Hussey that the meeting could not go any further.

He was courteous and left, saying: “That’s okay, it’s up to you. I don’t mind. Whatever you want. I don’t mind. If you feel uncomfortable, you’re uncomfortable and there’s no point.”

Belfast Telegraph

Pic Sky

A man is dead and several people are injured following a shooting at an alleged swingers party in the UK.

Police and ambulance crews were called to a rented house in Hedley, Surrey, at 2:30am in the early hours of this morning where the body of a man in his 30s was discovered.

No arrests have been made as yet and enquiries are ongoing.

Reports in the Metro newspaper indicate that the house involved hosts a swingers party where horny revellers fork out £75 (€89) a ticket.

Pic Sky

One resident said: “Police were called there last year at around 5am because of noise. People who attended had bought tickets and were bussed in, as were lots of scantily clad women.

“We heard that there was another event planned last night and police went round to remind them of their responsibilities. It appears they were called back a few hours later and it is not clear if the man was found dead in the house or outside.”

Police had been called to the scene earlier to deal with noise complaints before returning after the man’s death.

A spokesman for Surrey police said: “Police and ambulance crews quickly attended the location and found the body of the man, who was subsequently declared dead at the scene.

Pic Sky

“The man has not yet been formally identified and a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death will take place in due course.

“Several other people at the location are believed to have suffered serious injuries.

“At this early stage no arrests have been made but officers are actively following up a number of lines of inquiry.”

Local councillor David Preedy had warned police there could be a disturbance due to the size of the gathering and because of previous events held at the property.

Mr Preedy, who lives about a quarter of a mile away, told the Press Association: "There was a noisy party last year that I know was problematic. It started at 11pm and went on until 5am on Monday morning so was decidedly unpopular.

"When it was clear that the repeat was being organised, I notified the police on behalf of the parish council and on behalf of the community. Obviously I didn't realise what was going to happen.

"It (the house) is rented out. I understand it is the second or third of these parties. I was told last year that it was an event people were paying for tickets to attend.

"I became aware a large number of people were gathering.

"I called the police and asked them to patrol and make organisers know they should be considerate neighbours. I am pretty sure it was noisy through the night.

"I haven't spoken to enough people about it but I am sure people will be shocked and very worried."

David Baxter, who has friends in Church Lane, said: "It was a group of African-origin people. There was a smashed car, glass everywhere.

"The house is next to the church and it is rented out for parties."

Another resident said: "I drove past the house last night and there were lots of people, there were cars parked everywhere, in people's driveways. There were lots of women in brightly coloured African dresses.

"I drove past again at 5.30am on my way to work and it was cordoned off, it had all kicked off."

He added: "The house is owned by a developer from Mitcham who rents it out for parties."

Anne LegeundeLacroix posted on Twitter: "Suspected shooting at party in Headley, Surrey".

Neighbour Nick Woolley said: "There was a very loud private party in a house very close to the church which started at 5pm and I was awoken by very loud music, rap-style.

"I was woken at 2.30am by cars honking their cars, trying to get away from it. It was a very loud party with a DJ which was disturbing anyone near it.

"About 3am a police helicopter was overhead and it was circling for 45 minutes. The village is now swarming with police."

A Surrey Police spokesman said: "Police and ambulance crews quickly attended the location and found the body of the man, who was subsequently declared dead at the scene.

"The man has not yet been formally identified and a post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death will take place in due course.

"Several other people at the location are believed to have suffered serious injuries.

"At this early stage no arrests have been made but officers are actively following up a number of lines of inquiry."

Officers have cordoned off the road while investigations continue at the scene.

The spokesman added: "Police are appealing to trace anyone who was at last night's event and may have seen the incident or with any information to come forward as a matter of urgency."

Reggae dancehall artist Braintear Spookie, real name Jason White, posted adverts for the party on his Instagram account.

 

A photo posted by SPOOKIE🎵HURT IT UP ON ITUNES🎵 (@officialbraintear_spookie) on Jul 24, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

The 21-year-old, originally from Kingston, Jamaica, but who moved to the UK in 2013, is listed on the advert as an organiser of the event along with "The Female Boss".

The advert promotes "The Big Mansion Pool Party Part 3 Called My League @ A Posh Location in The Hills", with the Headley address at the bottom of the image.

The singer, who has produced songs with titles including Hurt It Up, Nuh Fault Wid Yuh, and Cah Tek Mi Life, also posted pictures of himself posing with a water pistol at what appeared to be the poolside at the venue prior to the party.

Stephen Port ( Pic Facebook)

An alleged serial killer accused of drugging and murdering four men he met on gay websites has been charged with attacking eight others.

Stephen Port, 41, was originally charged with four counts of murder and four counts of administering a poison.

He is also accused of six further counts of administering a poison, seven of rape and four sexual assaults against another eight men, it can be reported for the first time.

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges, which allegedly took place between 2011 and 2015, at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Port, of Cooke Street, Barking, east London, sat with his hands clasped in front of him as each of the charges was read out in court.

Appearing in court via video-link from Belmarsh Prison, wearing smart black trousers and a light shirt, he spoke only to confirm his name and enter pleas during the brief hearing.

Port also faces four alternative charges of manslaughter for each of the murder counts, which he also denies.

He allegedly met the men on gay websites and invited them to his house, where he is said to have poisoned them with the party drug GHB.

Four of his alleged victims, all in their 20s, suffered overdoses and were dumped in or near a churchyard in east London.

Port is due to stand trial on October 4, which is expected to last up to 10 weeks.

Detectives launched an investigation after four men died over a period of 14 months.

The first, Anthony Walgate, 23, was found dead on Cooke Street on June 19 2014. He was a fashion and design student at Middlesex University who was originally from Hull but living in Barnet.

Gabriel Kovari, 22, was found by a dog walker near St Margaret's churchyard on August 28 2014. He was originally from Slovakia but lived in Lewisham, south London.

Just under a month later, on September 20 2014, the same dog walker discovered the body of Daniel Whitworth, 21, from Gravesend, Kent, near the same churchyard.

Then on September 14 last year, Jack Taylor, 25, a forklift truck driver from Dagenham, was found dead near the abbey ruins close to North Street.

The deaths were not initially linked but after further investigation they were referred to the Metropolitan Police homicide and major crime command on October 14 last year.

The force has referred its handling of the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Paul Curran

The family of a young Crumlin man stabbed to death last weekend have said they bear no grudge against his killer.

Paul Curran (23) died after being attacked at the Seagull House flats in Dolphins Barn on Saturday July 16.

At his funeral mass in St Agnes’s Church in Crumlin today, Monsignor John Deasy told of how there are two families grieving - the Curran family and the family of the person that took Paul’s life.

“A few minutes of anger had such tragic consequences,” he said.

 “On Friday afternoon I met with Paul’s mother Liz. She told me she did not hold a grudge against the young man’s family. It is only in forgiveness that we can find healing and peace,” he added.

Paul Curran was a brother of David Curran, who is serving life for the brutal murder of two Polish immigrants, in a case that shocked the nation in 2008.

David Curran was just 17 when he stabbed  Pawel Kalite (28) and Marius Szwaijkos (27) to death with a screwdriver outside their home on Benbulben Road, Drimnagh.

He claimed he was ‘off his head’ on drink and drugs when he attacked the men, believing his father had been attacked by Mr Kalite.

At the funeral mass today a letter from David, who was not allowed out of prison, was read to the mourners from the altar.

“Paul, I can't believe you’re gone, my heart is broken. My little brother, and not just my brother but my oldest friend,” he said.

David Curran remembered good times as children playing with cars, footballs and scooters with Paul, and their school days together.

“I will have you with me always. I will think of you every day. Sleep tight,” he said, asking Paul to look over him.

Gifts brought to the altar today included a dumbbell to signify his love of fitness, and a crazy frog soft toy.

While Paul Curran is not believed to have serious criminal convictions, his father Michael McGuirk, was part of a gang involved in a €240,000 tiger kidnapping in October 2009.

He was not present at the funeral either as he is serving a jail sentence.

An 18 year-old man has been charged with Paul’s murder.

Graham McEvoy, of Captain’s Road in Crumlin, appeared before Judge Michael Walsh at Dublin District Court last Monday.

He made a thumbs up gesture and said “tell my ma I love her” as he was remanded in custody.

After today's funeral Paul Curran’s remains were brought to Mount Jerome Crematorium.