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Updated 5.54 am
GARDAÍ SAY THEY have opened a murder investigation after the body of Philip Finnegan was found in a wooded area in Kildare on Friday evening.
The discovery was made by members of the public in Rahan woods near the Kildare/Offaly border.
A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday and today by the Assistant State Pathologist Dr. Margaret Bolster at Naas General Hospital.
The deceased man has now been formally identified as 24-year-old Philip Finnegan who had been missing from his home in south inner-city Dublin since 10 August.
Gardaí have been carrying out a search of the area around where the man’s body was located. Today the removed several items of evidence from the site for examination, including a large branch which was bagged up.
Finnegan was reported missing from his home at Mary Aikenhead House on 10 August.
It is believed that his death may be connected to a drug dealing dispute, with sources describing him as a “low level criminal”. It was suspected after he went missing that he had been abducted.
Sinn Féin TD for Dublin South Central Aengus Ó Snodaigh says it,
has the hallmarks of being another victim of the brutal feuds between criminals that have been plaguing communities across the city and country in recent years.
“The discovery of Philip’s remains in County Kildare nearly four weeks since he was last seen is another sad chapter in the ongoing carnage being wrought on our communities by criminal thugs,” Ó Snodaigh said.
“These drugs gangs continue to suck young men and women into their criminal clutches,” he added.
Gardaí in Leixlip are leading the investigation into the murder and are appealing for anyone who may have information to come forward. They also want to speak to people who may have been near Carbury in Co. Kildare during August and have information they wish to share.
The scene in the wood remains sealed as technical examinations are ongoing.
An incident room has been established by gardaí in Leixlip and this can be contacted on 01-6667800.
An Garda Síochána’s confidential line at 1800-666-111 can also be used to provide information.
- With reporting by Michelle Hennessy.
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