‘Human hand’ found in bag of coal

A “human hand” found in a bag of coal by a man in Co Cavan is to be examined by forensic detectives.

Father-of-four Alan Purcell was pouring a bag of coal onto the fire at his home in the Woodview Estate in Bailieborough on Friday night when an object, which appears to be a human hand, fell out.

The hand had been cut off at the wrist and its fingers were extended, Mr Purcell said. The coal was bagged in Northern Ireland.