Murder hunt as Chinese youth dies

GARDAÍ launched a murder investigation yesterday after a Chinese youth, who had been on a life-support machine following an assault in Dublin, died.

Detectives have appealed to members of the Chinese community who might have information even if they are here illegally to contact them, confidentially if necessary. Gardaí have yet to establish a motive for the attack.

Chen Li Ming, 22, with an address at Rycroft, Bray, Co Wicklow, is the fifth Chinese man to be murdered this year. Of the previous four murders, two were carried out by Irish people, while the other two were carried out by members of the Chinese community.

The victim received head injuries when he was assaulted in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The attack is thought to have taken place in the Crumlin area of south Dublin after he attended a party, possibly in the locality, though gardaí are still trying to establish exactly where the assault took place.

Mr Chen called to a house on Captain's Road at around 5am looking for help.

According to the occupants of the house, he had little English. However, they gathered that he had been assaulted and rang for an ambulance. Mr Chen appeared to say that he had been at a party. A Garda spokesman said the man did not appear initially to have been seriously injured. But his condition deteriorated and he had surgery at Beaumont Hospital on Wednesday evening.

He remained in critical condition on a life-support machine, but lost his fight for life yesterday afternoon.

Gardaí were initially unable to identify him, but later succeeded, with the help of the Chinese Embassy and the Chinese community.

Detectives are eager to know if the victim got into an argument with anyone at the party or if he was seen leaving with someone.

They are also trying to establish if he was followed from the party or if he was set upon by someone else later. Gardaí want to speak to residents or passers-by who saw anything suspicious on the streets and also want to talk to any taxi or hackney driver who may have given the victim a lift to the area some time on Tuesday night or if they saw anything suspicious on Wednesday morning.

A Garda spokesman asked any Chinese people who are here illegally and who have information to contact them.

They can use the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or the Crimestoppers Hotline [phone].

Investigating officers can be contacted at Crumlin Garda station at 6666200.