AN INVESTIGATION IS underway following the discovery of human body parts in a bag in Coolock last night.

The Justice Minister condemned the “dreadful crime”, calling it a “depraved act of violence”.

Gardaí in Coolock are appealing for witnesses after human remains were discovered outside a row of houses at Moatview Gardens and Moatview Drive in Coolock, Co Dublin.

The bag and remains are currently at the scene pending the arrival of the Garda Technical Bureau this morning. The Office of the State Pathologist and the coroner have also been notified.

Gardaí are asking anyone with concerns for a loved one who they have not heard from in recent days to contact them at Coolock Garda Station.

Efforts to identify the person are underway with the assistance of Forensic Science Ireland.

Gardaí wish to speak with anyone who may have been in the Moatview Gardens/Drive area of Coolock, or in any adjoining roads between 9.30pm. and 10pm last night, Monday 13 January 2020.

The body parts were located outside homes at the junction of Moatview Drive Priorswood in Coolock. Source: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

In particular, gardaí are seeking assistance from all road users who may have dash cam footage from their vehicles, which may assist investigating Gardaí, or anyone with information to contact them.

Gardaí can be reached at Coolock Garda Station on 01 666 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan expressed his “shock and horror” at the discovery of “this dreadful crime”.

This was a depraved act of violence. I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to the family of the victim.

He said that the Garda Commissioner had said “the full weight of An Garda Síochána will be brought to bear on this matter”.

“I also want to reassure people living in the locality that their concerns and the issue of violent crime in their area is being taken seriously at the highest levels, as reflected in the ever increasing levels of Gardaí allocated to their area.

He also urged people to pass on any information they might have, “no matter how small”, to An Garda Síochána.

- with reporting from Gráinne Ní Aodha