Murder probe launched after man 'attacked on walk home'

A murder probe was launched tonight by gardaí investigating the death of a man in Limerick.

The victim, named locally as Patrick Coleman, died from injuries sustained in a violent assault.

He was aged in his 30s and believed to be originally from Kildare.

Investigating officers believe Mr Coleman was attacked as he walk to his home, in John Carew Park in the Southill area of the city.

His body was found at 1.15am by gardaí who forced their way in to his property.

Superintendent Frank O’Brien, who is heading the murder investigation, said he believed Mr Coleman was making his way home after watching the GAA All-Ireland hurling championship in a pub and took a well known short cut where an incident occurred.

Gardaí were called when a concerned passerby saw blood on the footpath and at Mr Coleman’s door.

“There was a male in that house collapsed, medical assistance was sought, and a doctor called to the scene also, but unfortunately the man was pronounced dead at the scene,” said Mr O’Brien.

There was no sign of a break-in at the property.

However it is understood two youths, aged 15 and 16, later went to the Roxboro Garda Station with their parents where they helped officers with their inquiries. They have since returned home.

The house and surrounding footpaths remains sealed off for forensic examination as State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, carried out a post-mortem examination at the Mid Western Regional Hospital.

Gardaí appealed for any witnesses in the area between 9pm last night and 1am this morning who saw anything suspicious or unusual to contact gardai.

Meanwhile, police in the city are also investigating a shooting at Janesboro soccer pitch at 4am.

A 26-year-old man was taken to Limerick Regional Hospital with suspected gunshot wounds to his knee.