Gardaí investigate death of Donegal optician

The Garda is trying to establish the circumstances surrounding the death of a Co Donegal businessman and a house fire in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Optician Jeffrey McLaughlin (42) was found dead outside a house at Malin Head. The father of three was from Carndonagh on the Inishowen peninsula but lived in Derry. He was a member of the local sub-aqua club.

The fire was first spotted at the house in the townland of Carnmalin just after midnight.

Fire tenders from Carndonagh and Buncrana fire stations rushed to the scene but Mr McLaughlin’s body was found outside later.

Garda forensic officers from Dublin arrived at the scene yesterday to carry out a full investigation into the cause of the fire. Locals have reported hearing a loud explosion at about midnight.

The house was badly damaged in the fire with the roof and masonry destroyed. One theory is that gas canisters used by Mr McLaughlin during his diving may have exploded. The State Pathologist was due to arrive on the scene yesterday.

Specialist forensic officers could be seen sifting through the wreckage of the blaze yesterday.

Meanwhile gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information on the fire and particularly those who were in the Carnmalin/ Malin Head area between 8pm and midnight on October 31st to contact them at Buncrana Garda station on 074-9320540, or on the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666111 or any Garda station.