Image of man found in canal released

GARDAÍ have released a photograph of the man whose dismembered body was found on Dublin’s Royal Canal last March.

Detectives gave the man’s name last week but believe the east African man had a number of identities in Ireland. They hope more people will recognise his face and make contact with investigating officers.

“People mightn’t have know him by name, or he might be known by a different name,” said a garda spokesman.

“We believe he might have had other names, so people might know his face.”

Gardaí last week announced a number of breakthroughs in the investigation, which began on March 30 last, after a headless torso was found on the Royal Canal. Arms and legs, severed from the body, were also found.

Detectives revealed last Wednesday they had formally identified the mystery victim as Farah Swaleh Noor, a 38-year-old from Somalia. He had been living here since 1996 and was illegally resident.

Gardaí also announced they had found the suspected murder scene, a house in Ballybough, a short walk from where the body was found. Gardaí found evidence of a struggle at the house. Forensic samples were taken from the scene and analysed.

As a result, gardaí arrested four prime suspects, including three women. All four were Irish and were arrested in the Tallaght area of west Dublin. The four were released without charge.

The victim is thought to have had a relationship with one of the women, who may have killed him after suspecting he was having an affair.

Gardaí are treating these as their main suspects and hope to make progress through forensic work.

Officers suspect these people may have dismembered the body to make it look like a ritualistic murder similar to those in Africa.

Gardaí have asked anyone with information to contact the incident room at Fitzgibbon Street Garda Station on 1800 218 219.