A GUNSHOT is fired as a man runs for his life into traffic in the middle of the afternoon in Limerick last Wednesday (September 3).
The running man dodges traffic along the road as he is pursued by a number of others who appear to be carrying weapons.
The incident is captured on a dash camera of a passing motorist, which was later widely shared on social media.
It is the latest violent incident in Limerick in a surge of attacks alleged to be between rival groups.
Gardaí are braced for the next attack, although Garda management remain tight-lipped about their operations targeting those behind the violence as they try to prevent loss of life and damage to homes and vehicles.
Garda management sanctioned overtime for armed patrols to monitor flashpoint areas, however Garda sources said they are concerned over further violent reprisals.
Two decades ago the city was engulfed in gangland violence that led to 20 killings.
Garda sources said they fear someone will be killed in the crossfire of several different feuds between rival groups.
A surge in recent drive-by shootings, firebombings, pipebomb attacks, and attacks on homes and vehicles by men armed with slashhooks and machetes has led to increased armed Garda patrols being deployed to flashpoint areas at Ballinacurra Weston, Southill, Castleconnell, Kilmallock, and Rathkeale.
The warring parties have been video recording the violence on mobile phones and sharing the crimes on social media.
The latest violence at Childers Road last Wednesday was shared on digital platforms along with videos of an unidentified man preparing and firing what appears to be a semi-automatic firearm in a field and video footage of armed Gardaí at Childers Road.
Garda sources said the firepower being used by those involved in the feuding is extremely serious.
An explosive ordnance disposal unit attached to the Defence Forces have travelled from its base in Cork to deal with several pipe bombs found under cars and at homes.
The Garda Press Office said it was not aware of anyone being injured in a shooting in Limerick last Wednesday, but did confirm an alleged discharge of a firearm at approximately 4pm that day was under investigation.
Garda sources said a male suffered wounds in the shooting.
