Community in 'shock' following suspected murder in Blacklion

Forensic investigators on the scene as people are urged to come forward

The community of Blacklion is in "shock" following the discovery of a body in a house in Blacklion yesterday morning, which gardaí are treating as a murder investigation.

The victim has been named locally as Dennis Neary (52).

A garda presence remained outside the apartment just off the main street in Blacklion this morning.

Forensic examinations of the scene were ongoing today.

Investigating gardai also carried out searches surrounding the property, and in bins and hedges in the wider area.

Local councillor John Paul Feeley is appealing for those with any information to come forward to gardaí.

"It's a huge shock to the local community," he told The Anglo-Celt.

"Blacklion is a quiet, peaceful and largely crime-free community. People are very shocked that somebody could die in such violent circumstances," he added.

Extending his sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased, Cllr Feeley said that the victim had not been living locally very long.

"I appeal to people to contact the gardaí, particularly if they saw something yesterday morning, however inconsequential they think it might be, that they would come forward to help the gardaí piece this together."

Forensic investigators from the Garda Technical Bureau are currently on the scene as the garda investigation continues into the fatal assault.

At approximately 9:15am, on Thursday, March 9, gardaí received reports of a man discovered unresponsive with serious injuries at a domestic residence in Blacklion, County Cavan.

Despite medical intervention by Gardaí, the male, aged in his 50s, was later pronounced dead by paramedics. A post mortem examination will be carried out.

As a result of Garda enquiries and follow-on investigations, a man in his 30s was later arrested on suspicion of murder.

He is currently being detained under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.

Gardaí are appealing to any person who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Cavan Garda Station on 049 4368800, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.