LAST UPDATE | 2 Nov 2018

TWO MEN IN their 20s have been arrested in connection with a fatal stabbing incident in Kildare in the early hours of yesterday morning.

David Boland (34), originally from Nurney, died from injuries sustained in the incident on Duke Street in Athy.

It is understood he arrived at the scene at around 5.30am in the morning, when a house party was taking place in the area.

He received treatment for his injuries at Midlands Regional Hospital but later died from his injuries.

Following the attack, his car was taken from the scene and burnt out about 200m away.

An incident room has been established at Athy Garda Station, and a case conference was held by the investigating team yesterday.

The State Pathologist and local coroner were notified, and gardaí appointed a family liaison officer in the case.

Superintendent Martin Walker said: “From our enquiries to date we understand a number of people were in the vicinity when this incident occurred and we would appeal to anyone who was in the Duke Street area at approximately 5.30am [yesterday] morning to come forward.

We would also appeal to passing motorists, and in particular those with dash cam footage, to contact us here at the incident room. A silver/grey Audi was driven from the scene following the incident to nearby Woodstock Street where it was set alight, again we would appeal to anyone with information on the movements of this car to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Athy Garda Station on 059 863 4210, or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Local labour councillor Aoife Breslin said the community was shocked by the violent killing.

She said: “The local community is shocked that such a violent and brutal assault should take place in its midst. Athy is a strong local community and this event is not reflective of the nature of the town.”

With reporting from Garreth MacNamee