West of Ireland town 'in shock' after man, 20, beaten to death with iron bar
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West of Ireland town 'in shock' after man, 20, beaten to death with iron bar

A MURDER investigation has been launched after the discovering of a 20-year-old man's body in Co. Sligo.

The deceased, understood to be local man Jimmy Loughlin, was found dead at a house on Connolly Street in Sligo town at around 1.30pm yesterday.

It's thought he had been living in the house with a number of other people.

Gardaí received a telephone call from a member of the public alerting them to what was described as "a serious incident".

Mr Loughlin, who worked at a local McDonald's restaurant, had allegedly been attacked with an iron bar after a row with another man, according to the Irish Sun.

Blaine Gaffney, a local Fine Gael representative, said the community was in "complete shock" over the death.

"Everyone in the town in Sligo is talking about it today," he said. "People can’t believe it."

Gardaí have now arrested a 31-year-old man in connection with their murder investigation.

In a statement, a Garda spokeswoman said: “A 20-year-old man, who investigating gardai believe was the victim of an assault, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The office of the state pathologist has been notified and a Garda technical team are currently at the scene.

“A 31-year-old man was arrested a short time later in connection with this investigation and is currently detained at Ballymote Garda Station.

“Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault or anyone with information to contact Sligo Garda Station on (071) 915 7000, the Garda Confidential line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda station."