GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED a murder investigation after a man’s body was discovered with “significant physical injuries” in Sligo. 

Gardaí sealed off a house in the Cartron area at 8.30pm last night where they found the body of the man in his 30s. He had suffered catastrophic injuries to the head and torso. 

The man has been named locally as Aidan Moffitt, an auctioneer and a leading member of the local Fine Gael organisation who had recently been appointed chairman of the Sligo-Strandhill party municipal committee.  

The scene remains preserved and the Garda Technical Bureau continue to conduct technical and forensic examinations at the house.

This afternoon, Aidan’s body was removed from the house and taken to University Hospital Sligo where the State Pathologist will conduct a post mortem examination.

Gardaí are investigating whether there is any hate related motive to the murder, and whether Aidan met his attacker online. 

Facebook Tributes have been paid to Aidan Moffitt. Facebook

Gardaí in Sligo are appealing for any person with any information on the murder to contact them.

In particular, they are appealing for any person who was in Cartron Heights or the general Cartron area on the afternoon of Monday 11 April up to 8.30pm and who saw anything which drew their attention, to contact them.

Investigating Gardaí can be contacted at a dedicated phone number at the incident room in Sligo Garda Station at 071 9157088, the Garda Confidential Line phone number 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

Gardaí have also issued the following advice to the public in general when speaking with or intending to meet up with persons they have met online:

• Get a face picture from the person you intend to meet. Be very cautious of a person who doesn’t share a recent face picture with you, particularly after you have shared yours.
• If they don’t want to share a face picture, consider asking them to go on a live video call (many apps have this option built in so you don’t have to share your mobile number).
• Ask for their social media handles. Do you have friends in common on Instagram or Facebook? Be wary of new accounts with low follower count and few posts.
• Let friends know where you’re going – send a text to a trusted friend or in a group chat, include your live location so you can be found if you need help.
• Meet in a public place first. Take a few minutes to chat and feel confident you want to proceed before going somewhere private.
• Think before accepting food or drink. Unless you’ve seen them prepare it – it’s best not to accept to avoid being spiked.
• If an emergency unfolds, call 999. If something happens – report it.

Tributes

Local Fine Gael councillor Thomas Walsh paid a warm tribute to Aidan.

“Everyone is deeply shocked by this. These sorts of things don’t happen here in Sligo,” he said. 

“He would have been quite active here in the party and in the community in general.

“He was originally from Roscommon and lived in the Cartron Heights, which is a quiet area with a very settled community.

“Aidan was quite active on campaigns over many years and I saw him just a few weeks ago at a committee meeting,” he said. 

Walsh said that locals were not aware of the exact circumstances of what happened to Aidan but said that the community had rallied around his family. 

“All our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends. He had a number of siblings and everyone’s thoughts are with them. The whole area is in complete shock and I think people will be hoping that the guards get to the bottom of this and Aidan will get  justice,” he added. 

With reporting from Jane Moore.

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