Identity of burned body remains unknown

GARDAÍ had no idea last night of the identity of the young man who died after apparently setting himself on fire in the middle of dense woods.

The body was found in Clarinbridge Wood, south of Galway city, by a man walking his dog. The body was still smouldering when discovered shortly before 11pm on Sunday.

Gardaí confirmed yesterday they are not looking for anybody else in connection with the death. It is understood there was some evidence of fire accelerant on the remains, though the gardaí could not confirm this last night.

It is not known whether the man is a local or even an Irish national. No documentation was found that would give any clues as to his identity.

When contacted on Monday, a spokesman at Garda HQ told the Irish Examiner the body had been identified.

The spokesman, in response to a direct question about identification, said: “We have identified him ... he’s a youngish man.” He added that the name had not yet been released.

The Irish Examiner reported this in good faith. As is now clear there was no question the dead man had been identified on Monday and, in fact, had remained unidentified up to last night.

In addition, no one has come forward to say they saw the young man in the vicinity of the woods on Sunday evening.

It is believed he died a short time before the discovery of the body.

Gardaí in Galway issued a detailed description of the man.

He was a young male, between 5’5” and 5’7”, of medium build with short, dark hair.

He was wearing a medium-sized white Mitre top under a black Nike top, a black nylon Dunlop jacket, blue check boxer shorts and white Fila runners. The Nike top had a white stripe on the sleeve and the brand name on the front.

The man was also wearing a 9ct gold necklace and a gold sleeper earring in his left ear. His age has not been established.

Anyone with information is asked to ring the gardaí in Mill Street on 091-538000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111.