Repubblicani colpiscono informatore della polizia irlandese
Dissidents blamed for bombing informant
Dissident republicans have been blamed for a booby trap bombing in Co Meath, which nearly killed a former police informant who infiltrated the Real IRA.
Paddy Dixon, 48, was injured in the explosion outside his home in the Beechgrove housing estate in Navan, at around 8am on Wednesday.
It is understood he triggered an “improvised explosive device” when he opened his front door.
Mr Dixon, who has been openly living in the property with his son for some years, was taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda by ambulance.
He is receiving treatment for injuries to his legs and upper body which have been described as superficial.
Armed guards are watching over him in care, and an investigation has been launched into why he may have been targeted.
Mr Dixon, who was a one-time car thief in the Dublin area, passed on information to Irish police about cars stolen to order in the Republic for usage by the Real IRA.
He has never been part of the Garda witness protection scheme however he had been afforded protection.