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The body of a man, missing the head and limbs, was found by a neighbour in an empty house yesterday, it has been reported.

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out on the man, who is thought to have been in his 50s and homeless, after the grim discovery at Castlegreina House on the Boreenamanna Road in Cork city on Saturday.

According to a number of reports this morning, the man's body was found decapitated and missing at least one arm.

Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the discovery at 4pm on December 28.

(Image: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision)

It is believed the body had been there for some time.

Gardai are said to have recovered the head and limbs following a search of the property.

Efforts are underway to identify the man and a post-mortem will be carried out at Cork University Hospital today.

Gardai will await the results but it is expected that the probe will be upgraded to a murder investigation.

A media briefing will be held at 3pm today.

(Image: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision)

A Garda spokesperson said yesterday: "The Coroner has been notified and the services of the State Pathologist has been requested.

"A post mortem will take place at a later date and this will determine the course of the investigation.

"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."