Gardaí release man held in Athlone death probe

A man who was arrested in connection with the death of a homeless person in Athlone last year was released without charge, it emerged today.

The 32-year old was questioned by gardaí about the death of Michael Chambers, a 51-year-old man from Lurgan in Co Armagh in October last year.

The man had been arrested in Dublin yesterday morning under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and brought to Athlone Garda Station. A Garda spokeswoman said the man was released without charge last night.

The body of Mr Chambers was found under a bridge in Athlone with severe head wounds.

He had lived on his own for more than 20 years, after separating from his wife. He slept under a tent which he carried in his rucksack.

Gardaí previously conducted house-to-house inquiries around the Athlone area and made an public appeal for information on RTE’s Crimeline program.