Gardai investigating the murder of a convicted drug-dealer in Co Wicklow believe it may have been drug-related.
Mr Joseph Vickers (43) was beaten to death with a blunt weapon, according to the results of a post-mortem. He was found outside his burning caravan in Greystones, Co Wicklow, early on Monday morning.
Mr Vickers died following a frenzied attack. Supt Philip Moynihan, who is leading the murder investigation, said he had suffered multiple injuries to the head and body. "He died as a result of a severe beating," he said.
Mr Vickers had moved into the caravan about two months ago. It was parked on wasteland beside a public car-park at North Beach, Greystones. When he was found he was wearing his night clothes.
An extensive search failed to locate the murder weapon. Supt Moynihan said they were looking for one or more blunt instruments which may have been used in the murder.
Mr Vickers had served five years of a seven-year sentence for dealing in heroin. He was released from prison two years ago, but had not come to the attention of the Garda since. The possibility that Mr Vickers's murder was drugs-related was being investigated, the superintendent said. Inquiries were focusing on those involved in the drugs trade in the Bray and Greystones area.
Gardai are still awaiting forensic results from the remains of the burnt-out caravan.
They are appealing for information from anyone who saw anything suspicious at the North Beach area of Greystones between 8 p.m. on Sunday and 4 a.m. on Monday.
The body was discovered shortly before 3 a.m. by gardai on patrol after they saw the caravan on fire.
Mr Vickers was married, but separated. He had four children.