POLICE IN MOZAMBIQUE are investigating the death of an Irishman who died while working on a construction project in Mozambique yesterday.

William Deasy, 32 and originally from Cork, was originally said to have been shot while working on a project for Kentz Engineering in Moma in north-eastern Mozambique.

However, it has emerged that he was the victim of a serious assault.

Deasy’s death is now being investigated by police in Mozambique with his family not wishing to comment further while an investigation is under way.

A statement from Kentz said: “Kentz confirms the death of a team member, who was on project assignment in Mozambique. The individual was a 32 year old Irish man and his family have been informed, we are in close contact with them during this dreadful time.

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and express our sincere condolences to the family, relatives and friends of our deceased team member. A full investigation is under way by local police authorities in Mozambique.”

A spokeswoman for Kentz said this morning that the company had no further comment to make in relation to the death of their employee.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had been in touch with Deasy’s family and was providing consular assistance through its ambassador in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique.