Carlow arson attack linked to crime clan feud as gang suspect posts defiant video online

A man - who is currently under a death threat - is being accused of 'ratting' on others by a close relative who claims to be no longer involved in serious crime.

Following the shocking attack which left the commercial premises completely gutted, a video was posted online in which the suspected gangster puts on a defiant front.

"Four people put hits on my head and they thought I was going to run. Listen, detectives came down 'Mr [name] we have threat notices here for you. Is your life in danger?' I said, do I look like I'm worried?

"I don't care if the whole of Carlow burns in front of me. It's only a sunbed shop, one of many, I don't give two f***s."

In the bizarre video clip filmed in a top-end SUV with another man, the gang suspect makes it clear in an expletive-filled rant he won't leave town and comments on his own appearance.

"There ain't a man born from a mother's c**t who'd put fear on me, I don't think. If I'm going to meet the devil, I'm going to meet the devil. I won't run. If I'm going to die, I'm going to die. There isn't a man out there who'd put fear on me.

"I don't care if the cartels come through the front door, I don't care if the devil comes through the front door. If you do shoot me or stab or kill me, make sure I'm pretty though."

"I don't give a f**k, but I do look good though. The day I give a f**k I'll be going down six foot even then I won't give a f**k I'll be dead. The guards coming down giving me threat notes 'Your life is in danger' - oh God I'm really scared."

In a separate video previously posted by a close relative of the man, he and another person are accused of being "a rat" and "going around like they're Narcos."

"You say you didn't do it , there's one fella getting out of jail looking for revenge. It's coming to you, but not from me and I won't do nothing on my family.

"Because you have a few pound you are big fellas? Do you not understand for 20 years before you got into it, I was doing for it 20 year or longer and I gave it up and I'm glad I did because you would have ratted on me," its said in the video.

CCTV footage of the attack last week shows a driver making three attempts to ram the car through the front of the shop in Carlow's Tullow Street.

It was then set alight as three people ran away, with emergency services at the scene evacuating people from apartments above the shop.

Last week three men were arrested in connection with the arson attack. All three were later released without charge

Garda superintendent Aidan Brennan said on KCLRFM radio: "We are taking what happened extremely seriously. We are investing very serious resources into this. We are very anxious to speak to anyone with information about this.

"Anybody who lights a fire in an occupied building is entirely reckless as to the safety of the occupants of that building.