GUNMAN BLASTS TEEN.

Byline: By NAOMI McELROY

AN 18-year-old was seriously wounded in a rush-hour attack by a masked gunman yesterday.

The balaclava-wearing thug blasted the teen with a shotgun before escaping in a car driven by an accomplice.

The sick attack happened at 5.45pm in Limerick's Parnell Street, near the railway station.

As the teen victim tried to flee after the attack he collapsed in front of shocked tea-time motorists.

One onlooker said: "I just saw him running towards the street and then he collapsed and the guards were there in seconds."

The shot youth had managed to get to William Street and was then taken by ambulance to St John's Hospital.

He was later transferred to Limerick Regional Hospital.

Gardai said extra patrols were on duty last night after the attack. A spokesman said: "The injured man suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body.

"Gardai are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Wexford Road Garda station in Limerick on 061 214340."

The teen's condition was described last night as "critical but stable".

It is understood he suffered a single gunshot wound to his shoulder.

A spokesman for Roxboro Gardai said: "Our investigations are at a very early stage.

"We are trying to piece together exactly what happened, but clearly we would appeal to any witnesses to contact us."

Last night two crime scenes were being examined by detectives - one where the man was shot and one where he collapsed.

Investigating gardai also confirmed they hoped to interview the injured man later today, once doctors give the all-clear.

CAPTION(S):

CRIME SCENE: Parnell Street, Limerick last night Picture: DON MOLONEY / PRESS 22