A man whose dismembered body was found at a house in Cork city on Saturday afternoon has been identified as Frankie Dunne.
The 64-year-old was from the north side of the city.
His body was found decapitated and without arms. A murder investigation is now under way into his death.
Mr Dunne had been living south of the River Lee on Boreenamanna Road in recent months at high-support housing operated by Cork Simon, which is a few minutes' walk from where his body was discovered.
Pathologist Heidi Okkers from the Office of the State Pathologist visited the scene and later conducted a post-mortem examination at Cork University Hospital.
Gardaí did not release the results for operational reasons, but it is understood they confirm that Mr Dunne died violently.
Detective Superintendent Michael Comyns said Mr Dunne's body was discovered by a neighbour in the backyard of Castlegreina House, a two-storey detached house at the city end of Boreenamanna Road, and gardaí believe his body was only at the scene for a few days.
Det Supt Comyns could not say if the murder took place in the area where the body was found and added that gardaí were conducting house-to-house inquiries as part of their investigation.
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Castlegreina House has been unoccupied for years and there have been incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area as people gathered there to drink.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bridewell Garda Station on 021 4943330, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Gardaí are keen to speak to motorists and pedestrians who may have been in the area since Christmas Day.
A niece of Mr Dunne paid tribute to him on social media and said he is dearly missed and loved by his family and friends, who are "all numb and in shock".
She described him as a character one of the funniest men she knew, and said hopes he has "the best bed in heaven".
The family has appealed for privacy.
