MURDER INQUIRY: Gardai seek information on black BMW

Gardai investigating the death of a 23 year old man in Athlone last night are seeking information on a black BMW.

Supt Noreen McBrien this afternoon appealed for anyone with information to come forward. She said gardai were treating this as a murder investigation.

“Gardai in Athlone are investigating the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body of a 23 year old male in the Athlone area yesterday evening.
“Three men have been arrested in relation to this crime. We are appealing for witnesses who have seen a black BMW in the vicinity of The Strand or the Lloyd's Lane area of Athlone between 6pm and 8pm yesterday evening. In addition we are also looking for witnesses in the Bogganfin area. For people who are not familiar with the area, this the area where the M6 crosses the river Shannon and we’re looking for anyone that could have seen anything suspicious there between the time of 6pm and 8pm yesterday evening,” said Supt McBrien.

“We are also seeking information with regards to another incident, another serious assault in Athlone yesterday evening and we’d be grateful for anyone who had information in relation to this to contact us in Athlone Garda Station at 090 6498550 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111. We are appealing for anyone who has anything that can assist us with this crime,” she added.

Supt McBrien said an investigation into the assault was taking place and gardai have not yet established if they are linked.

A post mortem is underway on the deceased man this afternoon. Asked about reports that the man had been thrown from the bridge, Supt McBrien said: “I cannot confirm that.”

Two of the three men arrested are being held at Mullingar Garda Station and one is being detained at Athlone Garda Station.