Gang break into home and shoot man dead, seriously injuring his girlfriend

A murder enquiry has been opened relating to the incident.

It is understood the investigation comes after man who has since been named as 35-year-old Mikolaj Wilk, died following an attack it his home in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a serious assault at a family home in Ballicollig, Co Cork with two young children inside.

Mrs Wilk's injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Both Mikolaj and Elzbieta were taken to Cork University Hospital, but sadly Mikolaj was pronounced dead shortly after 5:30am.

Police said Wilk died in the hospital, despite the efforts of all medical teams involved. O'Sullivan said the two children were in the care of social workers.

A auto was later found burned out a number of kilometres away at a waterfall.

The scene where the vehicle was found and the house where the attack took place have been sealed off for forensic examination.

Gardaí found a firearm, possibly a handgun, and two machetes in a burnt-out auto that was used by the gang.

The gang left the scene before gardai arrived in what gardai believe was a BMW 3 series.

Gardai, who have launched a murder inquiry, responded to the incident at 3.17am on Sunday. They are also anxious to interview anyone who spotted anything unusual or suspicious in those areas during the last three days.

Mr Wilk, who was originally from Poland, lived in Ballincollig for several years and ran a garden maintenance business.