Gardaí yet to identify murder victim whose torso was found in a suitcase in Grand Canal

Gardaí are working to identify a dismembered body found dumped in a canal in Co Kildare.

A murder investigation is underway into the death of the man, whose remains were found in a dark-coloured suitcase at the weekend.

The discovery of the torso was made in the Grand Canal at Ardclough Village on Saturday afternoon by teenagers, who found a suitcase in the water.

A Garda sub aqua team has been searching the site along the canal, along with the Garda technical bureau.

Investigating officers believe the man was murdered in recent days, but are yet to reveal his identity.

Gardaí believe the man was killed elsewhere before being dumped in the canal.

A post mortem examination carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis to identify the cause of death has proved inconclusive and further tests are required.

Gardaí believe the murder happened three days prior to the body being found.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who used the canal path from Thursday morning to Saturday afternoon, to contact them with any information.

Superintendent Gerry Wall said: “From the early evidence and investigation we’re satisfied that this is a recent event,” he said.

“I’m clarifying that – that it’s a recent event as far as we’re concerned in this investigation. The nature of what we’ve discovered would suggest a violent death and that’s all I can say at the present time.

"Gardaí are appealing for anyone who used the canal between last Thursday the 14th of January and Saturday the 16th of January in the area between Kearneystown and Ardclough Bridge to contact Leixlip Garda Station on 01 666 7800.

"People may have walked or cycled or been in the area in the last week and we are asking them to please contact us."