Appeal Follows Cork Taxi Man's Murder

There's mystery today over the violent death of a 62-year-old father of two who was found in a flat on the northside of the Cork yesterday morning.

Gardaí investigating the murder of taxi driver Michael Healy have appealed to the public for assistance in attempt to trace his last known movements.

They told a Press briefing this morning that a murder investigation had been launched after a post mortem revealed Mr Healy died from a head injury.

The Irish Times has today reported that Supt Tom Myers said Gardaí had two unconfirmed sightings of Mr Healy at 10.30am last Friday and 8.45pm on Saturday, which they are seeking to confirm.

They are also anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen his back Toyota Avensis taxi - registration 03C 4073 - at any stage over the weekend or later.

Anyone with information is asked to contact a specially established incident room at Mayfield Garda station on 021 455 8519

It has now emerged that Mr Healy's body was discovered by his own brother, at about 9.30am yesterday morning, and that two lines of enquiry are being pursued.

Although there was no sign of a forced entry to the victim's flat in the three-storey building, detectives are examining the possibility that he may have been assaulted by somebody he knew or somebody he invited back to the flat.

But they are also examining the possibility that Mr Healy may have been assaulted elsewhere - perhaps while in his taxi - and made his way home where he died.

(BMcC/GK)