Gardaí release identity of man found in Grand Canal

Gardaí have identified the man whose body was found in a canal in County Kildare as 33-year-old Kenneth O’Brien.

The murder victim's torso was found in a suitcase in the Grand Canal at Ardclough on Friday.

Detectives held a media briefing on the breakthrough at Leixlip Garda Station this evening.

Mr O'Brien, who was a JCB driver and diesel fitter, had been reported missing by his family over the weekend.

Gardaí say they are now intensifying their enquiries in the Clondalkin area.

Superintendent Gerard Wall says the murdered man was identified using DNA analysis.

Gardaí wish to speak to anyone who was in or around the Grand Canal near Ardclough on Friday and early Saturday to contact them.

In addition gardaí are keen to speak to anyone who may have observed, seen or had any contact with Kenneth since the early hours of Friday morning when he left Lealand Road in Clondalkin or can assist in tracing his movements.

Gardaí are again asking people returning to their property or premises after the weekend to check to see if there was anything unusual.

Was a room or equipment disturbed or their premises in anyway different than when they left.

Did you as an employee or employer notice anything different in your premises?

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Leixlip Garda Station 01 666 7800.