A MAN in his 20s has been arrested following the discovery of the body of an 11-year-old boy in Limerick.
The 27-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, 3rd November, and is being detained for questioning in Henry Street garda station.
The child's body was discovered at approximately 7pm in a house on Shanabooly Road in Ballynanty on the north side of the city.
Emergency services were called but the child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gardaí are treating the child's death as suspicious-- it is believed that the 11-year-old died from injuries following an assault.
The house where the discovery was made has now been sealed off by Gardaí ahead of a technical and forensic inquiry.
The State pathologist office has also been notified and will be carrying out a full investigation.
A garda spokesperson said:
"Shortly after 7pm Gardaí discovered a body of a boy at a house in the Ballynanty area of Limerick City. He was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances of his death.
"Following the discovery a man in his late 20s was arrested by investigating Gardaí. He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at Henry Street Garda Station.
"The scene is preserved for a forensic and technical examination and the services of both the Office of the State Pathologist and Garda Technical Bureau have been requested.
"The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time."