A man has been arrested in connection with a fatal assault which took place in Co Kildare last night.
A man (34) was discovered with serious injuries at Glenaree Bridge, Rathangan, Co Kildare shortly after 9pm on Friday.
He was taken by ambulance to Naas General Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
A post-mortem is scheduled to take place at a later date and will be conducted by the State Pathologist.
Following inquiries by gardaí, a man in his 20s was later arrested. He is being detained at Kildare Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The scene is currently preserved and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau has been requested.
Local Fianna Fail councillor Anne Connolly said: “It’s just absolutely devastating for the community and the families involved, it’s very sad. It will be very tough for all involved.
“The community is devastated. It is generally a quiet area. There might be small bits of anti-social behavior at times but nothing of late.
“We have never had anything to that extreme. I think that’s why everyone is so shocked. My sympathies are with the two families.”
Local Fine Gael councillor Mark Stafford said: “The incident, where we believe it occurred, was in Glenaree, which is a very quiet, rural area along the banks of the Grand Canal in Rathangan. It would be very popular for walkers and recreational users.
“It’s a very picturesque, rural part of Rathangan, where the proposed [Barrow] blueway will traverse.
“There is just total shock and disbelief in the community this morning.”
Garda investigations are ongoing.
