Gardai interview Ryan brothers and stabbing victim

Gardai have completed a two-hour interview with the two Ryan brothers, Eddie and Kieran who returned home after being missing for six days.

And as the interview was completed armed members of the specialist Garda Emergency Response Unit were setting up check points at key flash points around the city to prevent further bloodshed in the violent feud between two families in the city. Gardai said tonight the ERU and an armed unit from the Cork area would remain in Limerick indefinitely.

Mr Eddie Ryan (20) and brother Kieran (19) presented themselves at Roxboro Garda Station at 11 a.m. for questioning and garda sources confirmed the investigating officers now believe the brothers were abducted, possibly by a third party on behalf of one of the families involved in a bitter family feud.

One scenario being investigated is that the two young men were abducted to influence the testimony of witnesses due to give evidence at a number of trials. It is thought that the shooting dead of one member of the families, Mr Kiaran Keane (42) on Wednesday night may be connected to a disagreement over the release of the brothers. Mr Keane was found shot dead on the outskirts of Limerick city with his hands tied behind his back,

Gardaí have also conducted a short interview in hospital with Mr Owen Treacy, Mr Keane's nephew, who was found suffering from serious stab wounds at the same time as his uncle was shot dead.

Mr Treacy's testimony is considered crucial to gaining an insight into recent events.

Four people remain in custody tonight in connection with the investigation into the death of Mr Keane. A man and a woman in their 30s were arrested today in Co Tipperary and are being held at Mayorstone Garda Station in Limerick.

And at Roxboro Garda Station a man arrested yesterday in connection with Mr Keane's death was released this evening. A woman arrested with him remains in custody.

Superintendent John Farrelly said he expected more arrests would be made over the weekend. "We are only beginning to talk to people who may be in a position to assistus and develop this matter further," he said.

"But certainly we would expect over the next few days there will be more arrests."