Murder hunt after teenager's death

Gardaí launched a murder investigation today following the death of an 18-year-old man in hospital in Limerick.

Darren Coughlan, from Moyross in the city, had been on a life support machine following a savage attack last week.

He died at the Mid-Western Regional hospital in the early hours of this morning after the machine was turned off on the advice of consultants.

A local garda spokesman confirmed that a murder investigation had been launched.

“We are appealing for anyone with information to contact the Gardaí,” he said.

Mr Coughlan was with a number of friends on the Old Cratloe Road near the Limerick Institute of Technology last Friday night when a car pulled up and an argument occurred.

He was chased by three men, who are believed to have assaulted him with kicks to the head as he lay on the ground.

The incident room at Mayorstone garda station can be contacted at 061 456980.