LAST UPDATE | 14 Sep 2020

GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED an investigation after a man’s body was discovered in a lane in south inner city Dublin early this morning.

A male teenager has been arrested in connection with the incident and is currently being held in Kevin Street Garda Station.

Anthony Walsh, founder and chief executive of Feed Our Homeless, told TheJournal.ie that the man whose body was found last night had used the charity’s service.

“He would have engaged with our outreach team at night. He was a lovely man, really respectful and mannerly,” Walsh said.

“Any death on the streets is tragic but particularly in this case it’s very sad the way he lost his life. The team here would like to send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of this man.”

Responding to reports of the man’s death today, Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “As we reconvened our homelessness taskforce this morning our thoughts were with the man killed under horrific circumstances last night in Kilmainham.

“This is now a matter for investigation by the Gardaí and I would urge anyone with information to please come forward.

“Supporting individuals and families facing homelessness is a priority for this Government. In the PfG we have committed to reducing and preventing homelessness and to delivering immediate solutions.”

Gardaí say they were alerted to the incident at approximately 1.30 am this morning and that the man’s body was found in the lane off Madison Road in Kilmainham, Dublin 8.

No further details of the deceased have been released but the scene is currently preserved for a technical examination and the State Pathologist has been notified.

Anyone who was in the Madison Lane area between the hours of 11 pm and 2 am is being asked to contact Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 666 9400 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.