Head and hands cut from torso found in Co Kildare

A Garda search for body parts cut from a male torso that was found in a suitcase in the Grand Canal is expected to continue for the remainder of the week.

Garda sources said neither the victim’s head nor hands were in the dark grey suitcase discovered in the water beside the Lyons Estate close to Ardclough village, Co Kildare, by walkers at about 3.30pm on Saturday.

It means fingerprints and dental records cannot be used to identify the remains.

The postmortem carried out by deputy state pathologist Dr Michael Curtis has concluded the man was dead a maximum of three days before Saturday afternoon's find.

Unless the limbs and head are found gardaí will only be able to identity the man by taking DNA samples for the relatives of men who have gone missing since last Thursday.

Gardaí are hopeful the publicity around the case will result in members of the public coming forward with information.

Speaking to the media at Ardclough Bridge yesterday, Supt Gerry Wall appealed for information from anybody who may have seen the suitcase in the water any time since Thursday last.

“We’re appealing specifically for people who used the Grand Canal between Kearneystown Bridge and Henry Bridge in Ardclough to come forward.

Walkway

“This is a walkway used by people every day, and we are looking for those people to come forward.

“If you walked this canal or cycled it between last Thursday and Saturday we’re asking you to contact us.”

Supt Wall said the suitcase was large and on wheels “with a handle to pull like a trolley”.

He added that the man’s death was recent and violent.

The torso and suitcase had remained in position overnight on Saturday, protected by a blue Garda tent.

A full murder investigation was declared, and the Garda sub aqua unit scoured the river for further evidence yesterday. Teams of gardaí and the Garda forensic division combed the canal bank.

Supt Wall said that anyone with information can contact Leixlip Garda station at 01 6667800 or any Garda station.