Discovery of man's body in Dublin sparks murder hunt

Gardaí today began a murder hunt following the discovery of the body of a man.

It is understood the unidentified victim, who was found near Palmerstown in West Dublin yesterday afternoon, suffered a number of wounds to his body.

The body is still at the scene near Mill Lane and a complete post-mortem examination will be carried out later.

Officers at Ballyfermot Garda Station said they are unable to confirm if the death is gangland related.

Superintendent John Quirke, who is leading the murder inquiry, appealed for help in identifying the dead man, who was Caucasian and aged in his 40s.

“He was around six foot tall, of large build with distinctive blue eyes,” he explained.

“He was wearing a brown Gap t-shirt, black jeans and white runners.”

Deputy State Pathologist Michael Curtis visited the scene last night and conducted an preliminary post-mortem examination.

Officers believe the body was at the scene – among the ruins of an old church and cemetery – for around 48 hours.

The man’s body was discovered by a local resident walking his dog at around 5pm yesterday.