Gardaí hoping DNA test will identify body parts found in Dublin
Gardaí are hoping DNA tests will assist in identifying human body parts found dumped in a bag on the streets of a Dublin suburb on Monday night.
A post mortem on the remains, due to start soon, will also check for any identifying features, such as tattoos, birthmarks or scars, garda sources said.
The body parts were discovered at around 10pm on a footpath in Moatview Gardens, Coolock, north Dublin.
Local gardaí sealed the area off and a protective tent was erected overnight, pending the arrival of the Technical Bureau this morning.
The State Pathologist and the Coroner were also informed.
Shortly after 11am, the remains were removed by ambulance to the city morgue for a post mortem.
Gardaí are conducting searches at the location and say other body parts may have been dumped elsewhere.
There are reports the bag may have been thrown out of a passing car and that a group of teenagers initially made the grim discovery.
In a statement, gardaí appealed to people worried about persons who went missing in recent days to bring it to their attention.
“Gardaí are seeking any persons who have concerns for a loved one who they have not heard from in the last number of days to contact them at Coolock Garda Station," it said. "Gardaí continue to identify the human body parts with the assistance of Forensic Science Ireland.”
Sources said they are investigating possible links with a missing Louth teenager, amid serious concerns for his safety.
In their statement issued this morning, Garda HQ said they were appealing to anyone in the Moatview Gardens/Moatview Drive area of Coolock or in any adjoining roads between 9.30pm and 10pm to contact them.
“In particular, gardaí are seeking assistance from all road users who may have dashcam footage in their vehicles which may assist investigating gardaí,” it said.
It is thought that until gardaí establish the identity of the victim they will not comment extensively on the investigation. A further statement may be issued later today.
Once the PM has established the cause of death, the investigation will be officially upgraded to a murder probe.
Garda sources said that when they have confirmed the identity of the victim it will give them lines of inquiry to investigate.
Meanwhile, a priest from the Darndale area has called on the community to work with An Garda Siochana to stop the violence in the area where human remains were found in a bag on Monday night.
Fr Brian Shortall told RTÉ radio’s News at One that the people in the area were very upset and frightened. “There is a feeling of numbness, a feeling of powerlessness.”
He said that the community wanted to move forward not backward and there were concerns that the bag containing the limbs had been found in a location close to a path where local children walk to school.
“What are the lessons that children are learning?” he asked. “We need to find solutions within the law.”
Fr Shortall pointed out that there is a garda confidential line and he urged people to use it. The cover-ups and ‘omerta’ of the past “would take us backward.”
He also said that he wanted to wish the next government well as anyone taking a seat at the Cabinet table will have a lot of work to do.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
