Gardaí investigating the attempted murder of the Dublin criminal Martin Foley believe one of the getaway cars found following his shooting on Saturday may yield forensic evidence that could solve the crime.
Foley (55), also known as the "Viper", recognised the gunman who shot him. He called out his name several times as he was being shot and repeated it to the first gardaí to arrive on the scene.
The suspect has not been seen since the shooting despite Garda efforts to find him at his home in the south inner city and at other locations he usually frequents.
Even if Foley refuses to name the gunman in a formal statement, which is expected, gardaí can use the name as intelligence in advancing their investigation.
The white Ford van used by the gunman to escape the scene of the shooting outside the Carlisle gym on Lower Kimmage Road, was found at Wainsford Road, Terenure.
Gardaí believe the gunman tried to set fire to the vehicle to destroy any forensic evidence before he switched to a second, Opel Vectra, car. However, the white van did not catch fire.
The gun used in the attack, a Glock pistol, was found in the vehicle and gardaí are hopeful that DNA samples from the gun and car could be cross-checked with samples taken from the alleged gunman. Foley's attacker was not wearing a balaclava, which could increase the possibility of some of his hair being found in the van.
Informed sources said that while Foley may have been mistaken about the identity of the gunman, gardaí believe he was not. "It would have to be our main avenue, he would know this guy," said one Garda source.
Other sources said Foley was associated with a large number of criminals, many of whom were involved in gun crime.
Foley remains in a critical condition in St James's Hospital, Dublin.