15/08/2008

Teen Blasted With Shotgun While Helping Mum

A teenager has been hit by a shotgun blast as he helped his mother with shopping in Co Waterford.

It is thought the attack could end a painstakingly negotiated truce currently quelling a vicious feud between two families in the area.

The 14 year-old suffered multiple pellet wounds in the attack, which occurred at about 3.00pm as he was standing outside his home, at Ardmore Park, in Ballybeg.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by three men who fled the scene in a maroon-coloured saloon car.

vehicle matching that description was found burned out in the Butlerstown area of Waterford shortly after 5 pm and was last night being examined by garda technical experts.

The boy was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Gardaí are investigating whether the teen was shot by mistake, and whether the shooting is linked to the bitter feud between two Waterford-based families.

The feud has already resulted in a series of savage revenge attacks over the past few months, ranging from a hatchet assault to arson attacks on various homes.

There has also been a spate of malicious-damage attacks to property, as well as several shootings in both Waterford and Cork.

(DW)

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