Murder investigation launched following fatal attack on man in Wicklow park 

Flowers and tributes near the scene where William Moorehouse died in the playground at Ballywaltrim, Bray, Co Wicklow on Sunday evening. Picture: Collins Photos

Gardaí in Bray have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man's body in a park in the Wicklow town on Sunday.

William 'Willie' Moorehouse, aged 36, was found by a passerby at about 6pm.

He died after suffering a number of lacerations and blade wounds to his body.

An autopsy was carried out by the State Pathologist Dr Sally Anne Collis on Tuesday, and preliminary results have been provided to the investigating team.

The results are not being released for operational reasons.

However, following the autopsy, gardaí have now launched a murder investigation.

An examination of the scene by the Garda Technical Bureau has now been completed. A senior investigating officer is leading the investigation from an incident room at Bray Garda Station, and a family liaison officer is providing support for the family.

Two men, aged in their 20s and 30s, who were arrested on Tuesday morning, have now been released without charge.

A file will now be prepared for the DPP. Two other men, one juvenile and one in his 20s, remain in Garda custody.

Two men who had been arrested on Monday have also been released without charge.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to contact them.

They are seeking any available camera footage, including dashcam recordings, from those who were in the vicinity of a playground off Boghall Road, Bray at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information can contact Bray Garda Station on 01 666 5300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.

Gardaí say investigations are ongoing.