A TEENAGE boy who is being held in connection with the death of a homeless man in Dublin is suspected of beating the victim to death with his bare hands.
The 16-year-old is expected to appear in court later today charged in connection with the murder of a homeless man in a laneway near Madison Road in Kilmainham, Dublin in the early hours of Monday morning.
The victim, a man in his 40's who is originally from Eastern Europe, had been sleeping rough for a number of months, keeping in regular contact with local homeless services.
He was found dead at the scene at around 1.30am on Monday,n 14 September.
According to The Irish Times, the teenager was arrested after a 17-year-old friend of his told Gardaí he had witnessed the 16-year-old hitting and kicking the victim after stealing his phone.
Gardaí believe the teenager stole the victim's phone and later returned to the scene where he beat the man to death with his bare hands, with a source telling the outlet "We don't think there was any weapon involved. It was done with his bare hands."
Authorities are now attempting to contact the victim's family in eastern Europe in order to inform them of the man's tragic passing.
A spokesperson for Feed The Homeless, Mr Tony Walsh, told The Irish Times that the as-yet unnamed victim was "a very respectful man, very polite" and that he was "very sad" to hear the news of his death.
"The loss of life on the streets is always a tragedy but particularly in this case,” he added.
An Garda Síochána have confirmed they are following a definite line of inquiry into the man's death, however they have appealed for anyone with further information in relation to the attack to come forward.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information which can assist the investigation is urged to contact Gardaí at Kevin Street Garda Station on 01 6566 9400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Investigations are ongoing.
