Teen held as Gardaí launch murder inquiry into homeless death

Gardaí at the scene after discovery of a body of on a laneway off Madison Road in Kilmainham. Picture: Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

A 16-year-old is being questioned in relation to the death of a homeless man in Dublin. 

Gardaí said they are "investigating the circumstances surrounding" the discovery of a body in Dublin in the early hours of this morning.

Gardaí were alerted to the incident at around 1.30am. The body was found on a laneway off Madison Road in Kilmainham.

The body of the man remains at the scene, and the scene is currently preserved for a technical examination and the State Pathologist has been notified.

RTÉ has reported that the man was attacked and had his phone stolen where he sustained fatal injuries.

The man is believed to have been known to homeless services. 

Gardaí stated: “A male juvenile has been arrested in relation to this incident and is currently detained in Kevin Street Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984”.

He can be questioned for up to 24 hours. 

Gardaí in Kevin Street are now appealing for witnesses, or anyone with information, to come forward.

Anyone who was in the Madison Lane area between the hours of 11pm and 2am should contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Sinn Féin TD Paul Donnelly tweeted: “Another homeless person dies on our streets.

“This human being living on the streets, was horrifically beaten to death.

“Many single men tell me they’d rather sleep in the streets as hostels are horrible places but the streets are not safe either. We need homes for all.”