BREAKING: Gardai investigate drive-by shooting in latest feud-related attack in Limerick

THREE houses on the Hyde Road were targeted by gunmen in the early hours of this Thursday morning, Limerick Live has learned.

It is understood that shots were fired at the homes from a vehicle shortly after 1am. No injuries have been reported. A number of windows were smashed in the gun attacks.

It is believed to be connected to an ongoing feud in the southside of Limerick city.

Gardai have launched an investigation. The scene has been cordoned off for a forensic technical examination to take place. 

A section of the Hyde Road has been closed. Traffic diversions are in place.  

READ MORE: ‘A message needed to be sent’: Limerick gardai hurt feuding gang in pocket... and wardrobe

A garda spokesperson confirmed officers attended the scene of an incident where a firearm was discharged in the Hyde Road area, Ballinacurra Weston, Limerick on Thursday, May 8 at approximately 1am.

"No injuries have been reported at this time. Investigations are ongoing

"An Garda Síochána is appealing to anyone who was in the Hyde Road area between 1am and 1.30am and who may have information about the incident to contact investigating gardaí. Individuals with mobile phone or dash-cam footage are also asked to make that footage available," said the garda spokesperson.

Gardaí can be contacted at Roxboro Road garda station on 061 214 340, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.

The drive-by shooting is the latest violent attack between warring groups. There have been a number of shootings, petrol bombings and pipe bomb attacks as part of the same feud in recent months.

The Cork-based Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit has had to be called down to Limerick to make devices safe on a number of occasions.

Gardai fear people, including children, will be seriously injured or killed if the feud continues. A number of people connected with the feuding have been jailed after lengthy garda investigations with more before the courts.

Last month, gardai hit the biggest crime gang on the southside of the city in the pocket and in their wardrobes with one of the biggest operations in the Limerick Division in recent times.

Over 100 gardai conducted 17 searches at properties in Ballinacurra Weston, Southill and in County Clare which led to the seizure of cash, designer watches and clothes with a combined estimated value of over €235,000.