GARDAÍ ARE PROBING the operations of  a new dissident republican group which has links to the Hutch gang, TheJournal.ie has learned.

Styling themselves as the ‘New IRA’, a network of over a dozen men, most from Dublin’s north inner city, are moving guns, explosives and cash – obtained from sources such as protection businesses and drugs – across the city.

One man believed to be part of this faction has been linked to the murder of Michael Keogh, whose body was found in an underground car park off Dorset Street two weeks ago.

While it was feared that the Kinahan cartel would immediately wreak revenge for his murder, that has yet to materialise. There will be a very prominent garda presence at Keogh’s funeral which is taking place tomorrow. Armed gardaí and air support units, as well as uniformed and undercover officers, will be in attendance.

Armed units will also be patrolling other areas of Dublin tomorrow. This is down to fears that either gang could use the funeral as a diversion and attempt to attack someone. This means areas of Crumlin, Drimnagh, Tallaght, Cabra, Dorset Street and Ballybough will all be patrolled.

As well as being involved in Keogh’s violent end, investigating officers believe that the republican-styled gang have offered to supply explosives to the Hutch gang.

A prominent republican already serving a sentence has been moved to protective custody following leaks to authorities which lead to a number of recent arrests within the gang.

One of the main players of this group has fled the country such is the threat to his life by the Kinahan cartel.

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