GARDAÍ IN CORK have launched a murder investigation after the death of a man following a fire in Cork city.

Gardaí said they were alerted to the scene following reports of an injured man and a tent on fire at Mardyke Walk, Cork in the early hours of this morning.

Upon arrival at the scene, they discovered an unconscious man with serious injuries.

The man, who was in his fifties, was found by the emergency services near the tent that was on fire. Cork City Fire Brigade extinguished the blaze.

The area is known to be used by rough sleepers and gardaí believe the man was using it for this purpose.

The man, who had visible injuries, was removed to Cork University Hospital at approximately 1 am.

Efforts were made to revive him but he was pronounced dead a short time later.

It is understood gardaí have reason to believe the fire may have been started deliberately.

The scene is currently preserved for technical examination by the Cork City Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. A post-mortem was carried out by Assistant State Pathologist, Dr Margaret Bolster this afternoon, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons.

Gardaí say a number of statements have already been taken and CCTV in the area is being downloaded.

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They are now are asking for anyone who was in the Mardyke Walk area between midnight and 1am and witnessed any activity to come forward.

Speaking at the scene, Superintendent Michael Comyns said:

There are a number of guest houses in the area with visitors to the city staying last night and we would ask that if anybody seen or heard anything, no matter how insignificant they think it is, to contact us. We are currently treating this as a homicide investigation.’

Drivers who were travelling nearby at the time and have dashcam footage are also being asked to contact gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 4522000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

- With reporting by Olivia Kelleher and Adam Daly