Police are investigating a possible hate motive after a second man was found dead with significant injuries in the Irish city of Sligo this week.
Michael Snee, 58, was found dead in an apartment on Conauton Road at around 10.30pm on Tuesday.
He was subjected to “serious physical assault and suffered significant injuries,” Garda superintendent Aidan Glaken told a news conference in Sligo.
The scene remained sealed on Wednesday morning.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at around 1.45am on Wednesday after the victim was discovered.
He was detained in the town of Sligo by members of the Garda Armed Support Unit and detained at the Sligo Garda station.
The incident came after Aiden Moffit’s body was found in the city on Monday.
Image: Aiden Moffitt was found dead on a property in Cartron Heights
Gardai is conducting separate investigations into the deaths.
Officers are investigating whether Mr Moffit, in his 40s, met his attacker online or in a dating app sometime on Sunday and then let them into his home.
They are also investigating whether there was a “hate motive” in the killings.
Mr Glacon said the Gardai maintained an “open opinion” in the investigation.
“We are actively investigating whether there is a motive for these murders,” he said.
“Garda Siochana will try to find all the available evidence, and in the end the court will decide on the motives behind these horrific crimes.
Gardai is also investigating whether Michael and Aiden met with their attacker online.
“Meeting people online is a normal activity. Meeting people online should be a safe activity. But as with any online business, everyone should be aware of the personal safety advice we have provided on the Garda website.”
Mr Moffitt’s body was found in a house in Cartron Heights at around 8.30pm and suffered what Gardai described as “significant physical injuries”.
The Irish Times reported that the victim’s home was equipped with a strong security system, a large fence and video surveillance, according to Garda sources. There was no sign of a burglary in the property.
Image: Flowers on the stage at Cartron Heights after the death of Aidan Moffitt
Mr Glaken said officers were investigating another recent incident in the Sligo area as part of a murder investigation.
“I call on any person who may have been the subject of an unwanted approach or who has been attacked or otherwise attacked to contact the Sligo Garda station incident room,” he added.
“I have a special team here for diversity, we need to hear from you, we are here to listen to you and we are here to support you.
He said an autopsy had been performed on Mr Moffitt’s body and would be performed on Mr Snee later on Wednesday.
Gardai has issued safety advice to those who meet people they have met online as part of their call for information.
“Take a picture of the face of the person you intend to meet. “Be very careful of someone who doesn’t share a recent face photo with you,” they said in a statement Tuesday.
“Ask their handles on social media … Watch out for new accounts with few followers and few posts.
“Let your friends know where you’re going … First meet in a public place. Take a few minutes to chat and feel confident that you want to continue before you go somewhere alone.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said Mr Moffitt was originally from Roscommon County in central northern Ireland and had worked in the real estate sector. He was also peace commissioner for his local area and campaigned for Fine Gael during several election campaigns.
Taoiseach Michael Martin said he sent his “deepest condolences” to Mr. Moffitt’s friends and family.
He tweeted: “Deeply concerned about this horrific murder and the reports of another violent death in Sligo this morning,” tweeted Mr Martin. I urge anyone who has any information to contact the gardai. “
Tanaist Leo Varadkar said Mr Moffit was a Fine Gael activist.
“I am deeply disturbed to read about the two alleged murders in Sligo,” he said.
“Thinking about family and friends. What happened is indescribable and difficult to understand. Concerned about the possible motive of the attacker. RIP.”
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