The young man gunned down this afternoon has been named locally as Jordan Davis.
The 24-year-old was blasted to death in a laneway just feet from a children's daycare centre near Marigold Road, Darndale, Dublin.
Sources said that Davis was walking with his five-month-old baby son and a friend when he spotted a cyclist approaching.
He ran for his life, pursued by the bicycle-borne killer, before being blasted a number of times.
Sources confirmed to the Irish Mirror that Davis was aware that he was under threat and that in recent weeks had come under attack.
The murder scene was just metres from where innocent father John Lawless was murdered.
At the scene, one local woman said: "People are living on their nerves around here as it is.
"Our kids go up and down that lane all the time, every day.
"His poor family, his mother, arrived at the scene and was brought into the school - she was in bits.
"It is terrifying here in Darndale - you don't know what you are coming out to. He had money issues - no one could put a figure on it, but he owed money."
The playschool in the community centre overlooking the scene sent a message to parents minutes after the shooting.
It read: "Dear parents, an incident has occurred close to our centre. All children are safe..."
This was the second murder in the capital in the last 24 hours.
The remains of Sean Little, 22, were found beside a burning car at Rowans Little, Walshestown in Balbriggan after 11pm last night.
Meanwhile, shots were also reported to have been fired on Church Road in Mulhuddart, Dublin 15 last night.
Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan condemned the attacks and appealed to people to assist the gardai.
He stated: "I utterly condemn any violent loss of life and I am extremely concerned about the three shooting incidents that took place in Balbriggan, Mulhuddart and Darndale in the past 24 hours.
"An Garda Síochána are now conducting full enquiries into the circumstances surrounding these incidents and I would appeal to anyone who has information which could help to please come forward to them as soon as possible.
"Any information, no matter how small, could play a vital part in bringing the perpetrators of these acts to justice. Gardaí can be contacted anonymously by using the Garda Confidential Line on Tel: 1800 666 111."
Fianna Fail Justice Spokesperson Jim O’Callaghan called for immediate action.
He said: “As details regarding this afternoon’s latest shooting continue to emerge and Gardaí work to establish a motive, what we certainly do know at this time is that depraved violence of this nature has no place whatsoever in our society.
“The prevalence of gun related violence has continued to intensify, and it is essential that all possible resources are provided to protect the public.
"This afternoon’s shooting took place near a national school and both staff and pupils are likely to have only made their way home in the hour or so before hand. That is a terrifying precedent.
“It is apparent that these shootings will continue unless there is adequate intervention. Condemnation is not enough. The Minister for Justice needs immediately to examine what extension of resources can be given to Gardaí to bring this outbreak of serious violence under control."
Gardai are appealing for witnesses in relation to Davis' shooting.
A garda spokesman said: "An incident room has been established at Coolock Garda Station. We are appealing for anyone who was in the area shortly before 4pm to contact Gardaí in Coolock Garda Station on 01 666 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."
