Two arrested over fatal shooting of bookmaker in 1990

Two men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a bookmaker more than 27 years ago.

Dessie Fox was shot dead on September 30 1990 after his white 250D Mercedes was intercepted by armed men on his way to a race meeting.

The 47-year-old was stopped by the group at Healy's Bridge, Prosperous, Co Kildare, after setting off from his home in Dungannon in Northern Ireland.

He was on his way to the race at the Curragh in Kildare and was pronounced dead at the scene after suffering a gunshot wound.

The men stole a briefcase containing a large quantity of cash and other items including a mobile phone and car keys.

Gardai have said two men, aged 50 and 61, were arrested in Dublin on Tuesday morning during an operation involving officers from the Kildare division and members of the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

They have been detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act, 1939, at Naas and Leixlip Garda stations, the force added.

Gardai have asked anyone with further information to come forward.