A murder investigation is underway following the death of a homeless man who was found close by a tent on the Mardyke Walk in Cork city.
The man in his thirties was found in an unconscious state on a grass verge close to the entrance of the popular riverside amenity at 1am last night.
He had apparently been badly beaten and witnesses say his face was covered in cuts, blood and bruises.
A tent very close to the body had been set on fire.
A number of homeless people in the vicinity of Mardyke Walk this morning told CorkBeo that the man had been staying in the tent for the last number of nights.
They had heard that an ambulance had taken him away but did not realise that he had died at Cork University Hospital in the early hours of this morning.
It's understood that a unit of the Fire Brigade called to put out the tent found the man, alerted the Gardai and gave him emergency treatment.
A team of forensic specialists were examining the area this morning as the Mardyke Walk remained closed off to early morning walkers and joggers.
Gardaí in Anglesea Street are investigating and the State Pathologist has been notified.
A post mortem will take place this morning.
Gardaí are appealing for any persons who were in Mardyke Walk area between 12 midnight and 1am this morning and who may have witnessed any activity in the area - or any motorists who may have passed through Mardyke Walk around these times and have Dashcam footage - to get in touch with them.
Those with information can contact Anglesea Garda Station on 021 -4522000, The Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
