Murder probe under way after man’s body found

GARDAÍ were last night attempting to establish a motive for the suspected murder of a man in south Co Dublin.

The body of David Sutherland was discovered on a laneway close to the Sallynoggin area where he previously lived.

The 54-year-old, believed to be unattached, was not known to gardaí.

A post mortem conducted by deputy state pathologist Dr Maire Cassidy revealed the man sustained fatal head injuries.

Gardaí at Dun Laoghaire, who preserved the scene after the discovery of the body at 1.40am, yesterday commenced a murder inquiry.

The body of Mr Sutherland, who lived at Sheelin Hill in Ballybrack, was found in a neighbouring suburb. The murder scene at Pearse Garden was close to O’Rourke Park in Sallynoggin where Mr Sutherland previously resided.

Door-to-door inquiries are expected to continue today. Gardaí said a search is continuing for a murder weapon.

Gardaí, who opened an incident room at Dun Laoghaire, said a local resident discovered the body.

Investigating officers said last night they are still trying to establish Mr Sutherland’s movements on Saturday.

They believed he may have been in the Ballybrack, Dun Laoghaire and Sallynoggin areas at various stages and may have travelled on foot or by bus.

They have also appealed to anybody who witnessed any unusual or suspicious activity in the Pearse Gardens area late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday.

Anybody who can assist is asked to contact the investigation team at Dun Laoghaire, 01 6665000.