A teenage boy was tonight charged with the murder of a widower as he chased a gang of youths from his home.

Aidan O'Kane - a father of one - was subjected to a campaign of harassment by youngsters before he was gunned down on Sunday evening.

The 16-year-old suspect, from Dublin's north inner city, who cannot be named because of his age, was remanded in custody.

He is to appear at Dublin Children's Court again on December 17.

Mr O'Kane, a 50-year-old electrician, was chasing a group of youngsters who had thrown eggs at his home when he was shot in the stomach. He died later in hospital.

Four other people remain in custody in connection with the murder, which has shocked the close-knit East Wall community on Dublin's northside.

The 16-year-old accused appeared before Dublin Juvenile District Court flanked by his middle-aged parents.

Detective Sergeant Martin Connolly told the court the teenager made no reply when he was charged with murder in the presence of his mother and father at 2.35pm today at Store Street Garda Station.

The boy, who wore black tracksuit bottoms, a grey and black top and trainers, kept glancing towards his parents for reassurance during the brief four-minute hearing.

District Judge Bryan Smyth remanded the youth in custody to St Patrick's Institution for one week. He will reappear before the court next Wednesday.

The teenager's solicitor, Margaret McEvilly, said her client was on specific medication and requested he see a medic on arrival at St Patrick's.

There was no objection to legal aid, which was granted by the judge.

The 16-year-old was one of seven teenagers arrested and questioned over the murder.

Two adults, a 32-year-old woman and a 33-year-old man, have also been detained.

Mr O'Kane's killing is the 20th gun murder this year and came less than a month after rugby player Shane Geoghegan was shot dead in Limerick. The 28-year-old was gunned down when gangland criminals mistook him for their intended target.

Originally from Clontarf in Dublin, Mr O'Kane moved into the area about a year ago with his 25-year-old son and was known for fixing neighbours' bikes and computers.

His killing has been widely condemned with local politicians and Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin voicing their concerns over the shooting.