A MURDER investigation is under way in Limerick following the death of a 48-year-old man who died after being assaulted in his home.
Joe O'Donnell from Hyde Road in Limerick lost his battle for life at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital at the weekend.
Garda confirmed last night they had upgraded their inquiry to a murder investigation after a postmortem revealed the Limerick father died as a result of injuries suffered in the assault.
Mr O'Donnell was taken to hospital after he was found unconscious at his home at 11am last Friday.
Gardaí had been called to the house earlier that morning following a disturbance at about 3am during which a window was damaged. However, they were assured by the occupants of the house that everything was all right and they left the scene.
A 22-year-old man who was known to the 48-year-old was arrested by gardaí following the incident.
He was detained at Roxboro Road Garda station but released without charge at 11pm on Saturday night.
A file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions on the matter.