Mutant gene found in Irish giant

A RACE of giants may have sprung from a mutant gene that first emerged around 1,500 years ago and which causes uncontrolled body growth, scientists believe.

The ‘gigantism gene’ was identified in the DNA of an 18th century man known as the “Irish giant” who stood almost eight feet tall.

Copies of the same mutation have been found in living patients suffering from gigantism and other symptoms of over-growth.