Gardaí seek to identify body of man dug up in Salthill

GARDAÍ IN Galway have issued a new appeal for identification of a man whose skeletal remains were dug up during work on a derelict…

GARDAÍ IN Galway have issued a new appeal for identification of a man whose skeletal remains were dug up during work on a derelict house in Salthill almost six years ago.

A businessman found the skull of the man during machinery work behind a house close to his nightclub premises in April, 2002.

The torso - in a sleeping bag secured with a nylon rope - was subsequently retrieved from rubble which was being disposed of in the county area.

Size-10 mountain boots were also found, and gardaí were alerted. Investigating officers said that they believed the body may have been in a makeshift grave for two to three years previously.

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Gardaí suspect that the man, believed to have been in his early to late 40s, may have been squatting in the house.

It is suspected that he may have passed away, and fellow housemates may have buried him in the back garden in an effort to avoid contact with the authorities.

Cause of death has not been established, and gardaí travelled to England to try and establish his identity.

His body is being kept in a morgue in Galway.

Supt Noel Kelly of Salthill Garda station has issued a new appeal for information which may help in naming him. Salthill Garda station can be contacted by calling 091-514720.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times