A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a body beside a burned-out house in the Southill area of Limerick this morning.
The man's body was discovered on waste ground beside a house on Ash Avenue after gardaí went to a fire at a vacant house at the end of the avenue.
It is understood the man had suffered a gunshot wound. He has been identified as Thomas Moran, who was in his early 20s and from the Southill area.
The scene was sealed off and a garda technical team, along with the State Pathologist attended.
Gardaí are trying to establish a motive for the death, but at this stage they do not believe it is related to a ongoing gangland feud in the city.
The Army Bomb Disposal unit was called to the scene this evening after a suspect device which resembled a hand grenade was discovered in a field nearby.
An examination by an Army expert showed it not to be dangerous and it was disposed of.
