Gardai have found substantial forensic evidence in an old metal horse box where Kevin Lunney was held captive and beaten, it has been reported.
Experts have completed a two-day examination of the scene where the father of six endured horrific “life-changing” injuries.
Among the traumatic wounds is a double leg break – the result of repeated blows from a heavy bar.
The 50-year-old Quinn Industrial Holdings executive also suffered deep slash wounds from a blade during the prolonged and sadistic onslaught.
He was stripped during the brutal attack which lasted more than two hours.
His fingernails were brutally cut away as his abductors attempted to destroy DNA evidence.
The sealed-off site at Ballinagh, Co Cavan is 23 miles from Kinawley, Co Fermanagh , where Mr Lunney was rammed off the road as he returned home from work last Tuesday night.
And now gardai believe they have found forensic evidence inside a horse box container at the scene, RTE reports.
The cross-border investigation has made significant progress as officers close in on a gang who may be responsible.
Gardai believe one of the ring leaders is a notorious criminal based in Cavan.
He was spotted buying a large container of industrial or agricultural bleach which the gang used to try and destroy forensic evidence.
Mr Lunney’s body, including his open wounds, were doused with the corrosive.
CCTV footage of the purchase is being examined by Garda technical experts.
It has also emerged that as many as 20 individuals could have been involved in the sustained and carefully planned abduction and beating.
Some of those individuals have Provisional IRA or dissident republican links while others are involved in cross border criminal activities.
