Gardaí investigating the discovery of a human arm on a Dublin beach have established that the limb belongs to a convicted rapist.

The arm was found on Dollymount Strand on February 8th.

DNA tests confirmed the arm was that of James Nolan (46) of Fairlawn Road, Finglas, Dublin.

Nolan has not been seen since he was released from Portlaoise prison last November.

He has convictions for rape and burglary.

A Garda spokesman said the limb was identified using DNA analysis and with cooperation from Interpol.