Man's body found in suitcase

Police in Dublin have started a murder investigation

The Irish police have launched a murder inquiry after a man's body was found floating in a Dublin canal in a suitcase.

The victim, thought to be aged in his early 30s, is believed to have died from head injuries.

The black nylon suitcase containing his body was found partly submerged by two local people who were passing the Royal Canal near the Croke Park Gaelic Athletic Association ground at Drumcondra at 1900 BST on Friday evening.

The case was found near Binn's Bridge.

It is not yet clear how long his body had been in the water.

Garda Superintendent Albert Treacy said: "We believe the body had been there for about three days, and we are appealing for anybody who might have been near the scene around three days ago to come forward."

The Irish news agency RTE reported that the body was bound with twine.

In a separate inquiry, gardai are investigating the death of a woman found with facial scratches near the River Liffey in the Customs House area of central Dublin on Saturday morning.