The disappearance of Co Wicklow man Philip O’Toole is now being treated as a murder inquiry after the discovery of a body in a wooded area near Glendalough.
The exact cause of death and identity of the deceased will not be confirmed until after the results of a postmortem, carried out last night, are known.
However, it is believed that Mr O’Toole, who was known to be involved in organised crime, was abducted and killed.
Gardaí say the discovery was made at about 11am following a search at Trooperstown Wood. It is understood the remains were not concealed but found near the river bank.
The area was sealed off for a forensic examination and Deputy State Pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar attended the scene.
Gardaí have appealed for anybody who noticed anything suspicious in the area between January 7th and 25th to make immediate contact.
Mr O’Toole (33) was known to gardaí for his involvement in crime and had a string of convictions. He had been shot in the stomach as the result of a feud in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, in 2011 and was recently warned his life was in danger. He was last seen on Monday, January 7th outside a house at Meadow’s Lane, Arklow which he had been sharing with friends.
He was known to have driven his car, a 3 Series BMW, north toward his family home in Bray but he never arrived.
Gardaí say he had spoken by phone to his partner, and mother of his seven-month-old-son, shortly before 7pm. The following day they were made aware of his disappearance and a search led to the discovery of his car on Dargle Road, Bray.
Anybody with information should contact gardaí in Bray at 01-6665300.
