Gardaí investigating whether Sligo victim met attacker online as murder probe launched

They are also investigating whether Aidan Moffitt, a Peace Commissioner aged in his late 30s, met his attacker online.

It is understood Mr Moffitt, an auctioneer, was originally from Lisacul, near Ballaghadereen in Co Roscommon, suffered a violent death.

In a statement released tonight, gardaí said Mr Moffitt received “significant physical injuries”.

Officers have issued a range of safety advice to the public when speaking with or intending to meet up with someone they have met online.

This includes getting a photo of the person’s face and being cautious when a person does not share a recent photo of themselves – particularly after you have shared yours.

If the person does not want to share a photo of their face, gardaí advise that you ask the person to take part in a live video call.

Gardaí also urged the public to check the person’s social media handles and be wary of new accounts with few posts and a low number of followers.

They also urged people to let their friends know where they are going and to send a trusted friend a text with your live location so you can be found it you need help.

Mr Moffitt’s body was removed from the house this afternoon and taken to University Hospital Sligo where a post mortem will take place, conducted by State Pathologist Sally Anne Collis.

A garda spokesperson said: "The scene remains preserved and the Garda Technical Bureau continue to conduct technical and forensic examinations at the house.

"Gardaí in Sligo are appealing for any person with any information on this murder to make contact.

"Investigating Gardaí are appealing for any person who was in Cartron Heights or the general Cartron area on the afternoon of Monday, 11th April 2022 up to 8.30pm and who saw anything which drew their attention, to contact investigating Gardaí.

"Investigating Gardaí can be contacted at a dedicated phone number at the incident room in Sligo Garda Station at 071 9157088, the Garda Confidential Line phone number 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."