Dublin gardaí appeal for help in identifying murder victim

GARDAÍ HAVE appealed for help in identifying a murder victim whose body was found near Palmerstown in west Dublin three days ago.

The body of the man, who is white and thought to be in his 30s, was found in undergrowth on Mill Lane by a passerby walking his dog on Friday afternoon.

Gardaí yesterday upgraded their investigation to a murder inquiry following a postmortem but declined to give any further details for operational reasons.

It is believed the victim suffered a number of wounds to his body. The scene of the crime, by a ruined church and cemetery, is often used by casual drinkers, according to locals.

Gardaí have described the dead man as being about 185.4cm (6ft 1in) and of strong build. He was clean-shaven and had distinctive blue eyes and a very tight haircut.

He was wearing a brown Gap T-shirt, black jeans, white runners and a silver Casio G-Shock watch.

Gardaí believe the body was at the scene for about 48 hours. Officers at Ballyfermot Garda station say they are unable to confirm if the death is gangland-related.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyfermot Garda station on 01-6667200 or the Garda confidential line 1800 666111.