No terrorist link to murder

The apartments where the businessman was shot

Police in the Irish Republic do not suspect terrorist involvement in the murder of a Northern Ireland businessman in the border town of Dundalk.

Richard McFerran, who was in his 40s and from Newry just across the border in Northern Ireland, was found shot dead in his car on Monday morning.

Gardai confirmed he suffered a single gunshot wound to the head, probably caused by a revolver. However, no weapon was recovered at the scene.

Mr McFerran recently moved into an apartment in the centre of Dundalk, County Louth but owned a crane hire and haulage business in Newry.

Body recovered

His body was found in a car outside the apartment just after 0800. The discovery was made by a postman on his rounds.

Police launch murder inquiry

The victim appeared to have been trying to get out of his parked silver Mercedes car when the attack was carried out.

Noise heard

Neighbours say they heard a noise about 0240, and now think it could have been a shot.

Witnesses who saw the victim in his car are believed to have thought he was just sleeping.

Police have not yet established a motive for the murder.

However, detectives are investigating the possibility that the dead man was the victim of an attempted shooting in Newry last year.