Gardaí are pursuing a murder investigation after a taxi driver was fatally stabbed in Blanchardstown in west Dublin last night.
The off-duty taxi driver was knifed to death as his partner and baby son sat in his car. He was named by gardaí tonight as Mark Smyth (31), of The Hawthorns, Duleek, Co Meath.
It is understood he had driven a man and woman, and his own partner and their young baby a few miles from Clonee, Co Meath to Blanchardstown where the attack took place.
Gardaí believe a row erupted after the car pulled into a cul-de-sac in the Fortlawn estate at around 10pm last night.
A Garda spokesman said detectives were following a definite line of inquiry and it is understood they are seeking the couple who reportedly fled the scene after the attack.
Mr Smyth was brought up in the Ballymun area of north Dublin but had moved out of the capital to Co Meath in recent years.
It was initially believed he was stabbed after chasing a passenger who did not pay a fare but gardaí later confirmed he was off duty.
The dead man's brother and friend visited the scene while initial garda examinations took place and waited until they were allowed through a security cordon to place a wreath near the spot where he died.
Forensic officers spent the morning carrying out a technical examination at the scene before the body was removed at around midday.
John Ussher, president of the Irish Taxi Drivers' Federation, said the family was devastated.
"His father is very upset. He has taken the news very badly," he said.
"I've worked with three generations of the family and I've found them all honest, decent men. I think Mark will be a loss to the business and my sympathies go out to his father, his partner and their young child."
Tommy Gorman, president of the National Taxi Drivers' Union (NTDU), said the family was highly regarded in the business.
"On behalf of all the drivers in the profession we offer our deepest sympathies to the family," Mr Gorman said.
Labour Deputy Leader and TD for Dublin West Joan Burton said her area had experienced a growth in violent crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
"Part of this problem, I believe, has been fuelled by the explosion of outlets selling drink in the area," she said in a statement. "I am also concerned that the area is not getting the type of policing that is required.
"Members of the community and the gardai must work together if we are to deal with the growing crime problem. We need a far greater visible Garda presence on the ground and we need far more emphasis on community policing."
Anyone with information has been urged to contact gardai at Blanchardstown.