PM to determine direction of Garda investigation

The body of a 47-year-old father-of-six found shortly before 9am this morning (Tuesday) at Bog Road, Kilbride Lane in Clara has been removed to the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore for a post mortem.

Gardai say they are waiting for the results of State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy’s post mortem on the body to determine the nature and direction of their investigation.

However they are appealing to anyone who may have seen suspicious or unusual activity at Bog Road, Kilbride Lane in the days leading up to Sunday, December 29 and in the days since then to come forward.

An incident room has been set up at Tullamore Garda Station and can be contacted in confidence at 057 9327600.

The body of the man, who was known to gardai, was found at approximately 8.45am this morning after concerns were raised regarding the deceased’s whereabouts.

After conducting a search at Bog Road, Kilbride Lane, the remains were found in a six foot deep drain located about 100m away from a burnt out caravan and two vehicles. There is no indication that the body was burned.

Professor Cassidy visited the scene earlier today to carry out a preliminary examination, and is this evening carrying out a post mortem on the body at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore.

Gardai say they are not in a position to formally identify the dead man until all family members have been notified.

Gardai are now appealing to anyone who may have seen suspicious or unusual activity at Bog Road, Kilbride Lane, Clara in the days leading up to December 29 and since then to come forward. In particular they are appealing to anyone who witnessed the burning of a caravan and two cars to come forward.

Gardai can be contacted at 057 9327600, 1800 666111 or any garda station.