Spanish Police Hunt Killer Of Dublin Man

Police in Spain are hunting the killer of Dublin man John O'Neill who was shot dead outside a pub in Spain early yesterday.

The 40-year-old father-of-two from Coolock was shot outside a bar in Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol while on holiday with his family.

Reports suggest Mr O'Neill, who had no criminal record, had become involved in a row at the bar earlier in the day with two men, while celebrating a friend's wedding.

One of the men, who is believed to be from Liverpool, was thrown out of the premises by the barman. He later returned with a loaded pistol and waited outside the premises.

When Mr O'Neill was leaving with his wife at around 3am, he was fatally wounded in the stomach and back by the man.

The murder is being investigated by the specialist violent crime unit of the Spanish national police in Torremolinos.

Coco's, the bar where he was gunned down, was yesterday sealed off as police investigated how the tragedy unfolded. Police are continuing their search for the gunman and are said to be following a definite line of inquiry.

It is not believed the killing is linked to recent gangland-style attacks in the area.

Mr O'Neill is survived by his parents, two siblings, two children and his partner, who are being given consular assistance by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Also this week, the Spanish police in the same resort area are investigating the violent stab death of an Englishman, whose wife is now in jail, charged in relation to his shock death on Monday.

See: British Man's Spanish Stab Death Probed

(DW/KMcA)