Gardaí are seeking witnesses to a shooting in Tallaght, Dublin, which occurred late last night.
The victim, who was in his 40s and known to gardaí, was standing outside a licensed premises at the St Dominic shopping centre when he was targeted just before 10pm.
Sources said they believed it was a murder attempt but at that stage were unaware of the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting. They are understood to be exploring a link to a recent shooting in Cabra.
The victim was removed to Tallaght Hospital where he was being treated last night. The extent of his injuries was unknown but were understood to be extremely serious.
It is understood he received a gunshot wound to the head after being approached by a motorcycle carrying two men.
Gardaí immediately sealed off the area for forensic examination.
No arrests had been made so far and an appeal was released for anyone with any information to contact Tallaght Garda station at 01-6666000 or on the Garda confidential phone line at 1800-666111.