Updated: 10.55pm

A MAN HAS been shot dead in Ratoath, Co Meath this evening.

The man in his 50s, who has been named locally as Noel Duggan, was shot five times in the chest as he got out of a car in his driveway at the Old Mill housing estate at around 7.45pm.

It is understood the victim was a close friend of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch.

The gunman fled across a green area to a waiting car which sped away from the estate. Two burned out cars were found a short distance from the scene.

A large area of the estate has been cordoned off for a technical examination and forensics officers arrived shortly after 11pm.

The body remains at the scene and a post-mortem is scheduled to take place tomorrow at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

Gardaí have appealed for anyone who was in or around the housing estate or the Fairyhouse Road this evening, and who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious, to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800  666 111 or any garda station.

- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.

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