Updated 27/01/2014

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING THE murder of Edenderry local Thomas Dooley have released a 19-year-old man arrested in connection to the crime this evening.

The 19-year-old, who was the first of three suspect detained, was released without charge from Tullamore garda station and a file is now being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

The second suspect, also 19, was arrested yesterday afternoon. He is still being held at Birr garda station and can be kept under questioning for up to 24 hours.

Gardaí also said they had arrested a third man, a 24-year-old in Celbridge, Co Kildare, shortly before 5pm yesterday.

This man is also still being detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at Portlaoise Garda Station.

The victim, known locally as Toddy, sustained injuries to his upper body and his remains were found on 16 February in his home at Sr Senan Court.

- With additional reporting by Michelle Hennessy.

Related: Witnesses to ‘suspicious’ activity sought after murder of Thomas Dooley