Man released in Polish murder probe

A 19-YEAR-OLD man arrested by gardaí investigating the death of a Polish man in Drimnagh in Dublin at the weekend has been released. A file is being prepared for the DPP.

A second man remained in custody last night at Crumlin Garda Station following the death by stabbing of Marius Szwajkos.

Yesterday, the family of the Polish builder seriously injured in the incident flew to Ireland, to hold a bedside vigil for the 29-year-old who was stabbed in the throat during an attack by a group of teenagers on Saturday night.

Pavel Kalite suffered trauma to the brain and is said to have a 25% chance of survival, after the attack in which his friend died outside a chipper in the Dublin suburb of Drimnagh.

The family of Marcusz Szwjkos, also 29, are expected to arrive here also to look after funeral arrangements.

Gardaí last night continued to question one of two teenagers arrested in relation to the murder.

Members of the local community said they are “shocked” and “ashamed” at the killing and have set up a fund to help both Polish families.

Parish priest Fr Martin Cosgrove, said: “There will always be a sense of shock, and rightly so, when a human life is taken. It behoves all of us in the community to ensure whoever is responsible for this, and whatever happened doesn’t go unaddressed.”

The two men worked on a building site in the area and were described as “decent” and “hard workers”.

Gardaí believe the motive for the attack was an exchange of words between the men and a group of teenagers outside the local off-licence and later outside the chipper.

Fr Martin said the murder was tragic “particularly for someone so far from home, someone who came here to make their living and a new life, and someone who has contributed with hard work and sheer common decency.

“It’s absolutely appalling and there’s no justification of any kind in that.

“Members of the family have arrived in the country and some provision is being made in the short term. We are providing any assistance that can be provided, we have a policy of welcoming in this community.”

He said there are many Poles living in the area, as well as other nationalities including Indians.

“Very many people who come here are making a very good transition to our community and to our culture. I think it’s very important at a time like this, when there’s such tragedy and sorrow, we should focus on the good things [that happen to those who come to Ireland],” he said.