Gardaí investigating the disappearance of a 67-year-old man from Dublin believe he may have been murdered, with detectives now treating the case as a suspected homicide.
Charlie ‘Lachy’ Clarke, who is originally from Limerick, was reported missing by his family after they became increasingly concerned when they were unable to contact him for several weeks.
Gardaí believe Mr Clarke may have been killed in an apartment in Dublin 8 late last month, with a residential property in The Liberties area now sealed off for forensic examination.
Although his remains have not yet been located, investigators believe efforts may have been made to conceal the suspected killing.
A person of interest has been identified by detectives and a man in his 20s has been arrested as part of the investigation.
In a statement, Gardaí said they were investigating “all of the circumstances around the disappearance of a male – aged in his 60s – who was reported missing from the Dublin 8 area, on Sunday.”
They added: “As a result of ongoing enquiries, a male – aged in his 20s – has been arrested in connection with the investigation today.”
The suspect is being held at a Dublin Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows Gardaí to detain a person for up to 24 hours for questioning.
Mr Clarke’s family, including his children and siblings, had travelled to Dublin in recent weeks as they attempted to find out what had happened and make contact with people who knew him.
They later reported him missing to Gardaí after their concerns continued to grow.
Investigators are now focused on establishing what happened to Mr Clarke and locating his remains.
Garda sources said the delayed reporting of his disappearance may present challenges for the investigation, but stressed that enquiries are continuing.
