The simmering tensions in Limerick city yesterday once again spilled over after a house was petrol-bombed. It was the second such attack in less than a week. It came as gardaí were preparing to mount a massive security operation for Mr Kieran Keane's funeral and as armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit patrolled some suburbs.
Yesterday's attack occurred at around 7 a.m. at a house in Hyde Road, Ballinacura Weston, Limerick city.
Three units of the fire brigade were called to the scene and fought the blaze for over an hour. However, the terraced property was badly damaged.
Yesterday's attack was significant in that it was on a home belonging to members of a third faction who gardaí suspect may have been involved in the murder of Mr Keane last week and the alleged double abduction of the Ryan brothers just over a fortnight ago.
Gardai are examining the possibility that the third party, based around one known Limerick family, may have killed Mr Keane as part of a turf war in the city. It is not yet clear how the alleged abduction of Kieran and Eddie Ryan fits into the puzzle.
It is understood nobody was injured in yesterday's blaze and that the occupants of the house had left some time in the last week.
Gardaí insist they are satisfied with progress made in the investigation into recent events in the city.
Last week they questioned four people - two men and two women - and released them without charge. And on Tuesday forensic experts examined a house in the city as part of the investigation into the murder and alleged double abduction.