Murder investigation launched in Athlone

Gardaí in Co Westmeath have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in Athlone yesterday morning.

The body of 51-year-old Michael Chambers was found on a pedestrian path beneath a bridge in the town at around 8am yesterday.

Gardaí said Mr Chambers, a visitor from Portadown in Co Armagh, appeared to have been kicked to death.

A post mortem on his body found he had suffered severe head injuries.