Second Body Leads To Murder Enquiry

Gardaí have upgraded their investigation into the discovery of a second body in the River Bandon on Tuesday to a murder inquiry.

Gardaí said they held a meeting to discuss preliminary post mortem results that indicated the Englishman's body found in the river in County Cork showed evidence of a violent attack.

The second man found was named locally as 42-year-old John Forrester.

The body was recovered as Gardaí investigated the disappearance of the Englishman in connection to the murder of Jonathan Duke, 27, in Bandon. On Monday, Mr Duke's body was also found in the river in County Cork.

Gardaí became aware Mr Forrester was missing during the investigation into the murder of Mr Duke, whose body was dumped into the river Bandon on Sunday night.

The body was taken from the river by Gardaí and removed to Cork University Hospital where a Post Mortem was be carried out and found evidence of a violent death.

Supt Eddie McKeown said that some 30 officers are taking part in the investigation with two forensic science teams and the Garda water unit expected to become involved.

The scene is preserved for a Garda technical examination as is another scene at a nearby apartment block.

A male and female in their 30’s have been arrested in connection with the investigation and are currently detained at Bandon Garda Station under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act.

Investigating Gardaí are appealing to any person who may have been in the area of the Bandon Bridge between 10.30pm and 11.15pm last night to contact the incident room at Bandon Garda Station 023-8852200, the Garda Confidential Line 1-800-666-111 or any Garda Station.

(DW)