NOTORIOUS gun criminal Kurt Ryan is a key member of the so-called 'new teen gang' which have seized control of the drugs trade on Limerick's northside, a source has revealed.

On Wednesday, a home in Moyross was riddled with bullets for the second time in a week, as a violent mob continues to target associates of Robert Sheehan's suspected killers.
Last week a meeting of Limerick's Joint Policing Committee heard that a violent new teenage gang had seized control of the drug trade on the city's northside.

The meeting was told by Sinn Fein councillor Maurice Quinlivan that the mob were made up of, "17,18 and 19-year-olds who have access to weapons".
A senior source has told the Sunday World that teen criminal Kurt Ryan is a key member of the new gang.

Tear-away

Despite his tender years, Ryan is one of the most feared operators in Limerick's criminal under-world and was previously quizzed in connection with the brutal murder of addict Lee Slattery (24), over a minor drugs debt.

On Wednesday night, a number of shots were fired at a house in Delmege Park, Moyross,for the second time by Ryan's associates.
Gardai believe a group of young tearaway criminals targeted the home because one of the occupants has links to the chief suspect for the murder of Robert Sheehan.

Just last September, Sheehan (21) - who was previously jailed for a horror firebomb attack on two children - was gunned down outside his brother's wedding in Bunratty, Co. Clare.

Sheehan's murder caused a split among a group of dangerous criminals - and child-hood pals - who had been selling drugs for mobster 'Fat' John McCarthy.
More than five of the gang members were eventually forced to flee Limerick after being told their lives were under threat from Sheehan's pals.

They included convicted drug dealer Erol Ibrahim and gun criminal Paul Reddan.
Kurt Ryan has been acting as muscle for the so-called "new gang" who have "filled the void" since his release from the Midlands Prison in December.
However, a senior source said he would not agree that this grouping should be described as a "new gang".



Release

"It is more a case that they have moved up in the same gang. All of these so-called new gang members would be well known to gardai and would have connections to 'Fat' John McCarthy."

Kurt Ryan has been staying in a house in Moyross since his release from prison. He has been regularly seen in the company of his former cellmate, gun criminal David McCarthy, who was also released from prison in recent weeks.

In 2010, thug David (19) - who is the son of heroin trafficker 'Fat'John McCarthy - was jailed for three years after he was caught with a shotgun.
Gardai believe the teenage criminals are operating under the direction of a veteran criminal who is supplying them with drugs and weapons.