Victim 'beaten to death with hammer and dumped in dog shed' as Gardai launch Kildare murder probe

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was beaten to death with a hammer and dumped in a dog shed.

Shane Knott (36), who is originally from Rathcoole in Dublin, was discovered in the shed at the back garden of a house at Eustace Demesne in Naas Co Kildare.

Gardai suspect Mr Knott was struck with a claw hammer or a similar instrument before his body was dragged out to the back garden and dumped in a dog shed.

Sources say Mr Knott, who was reported missing, may have been killed up to a week ago – and he may have lain dead at the back garden of the property for several days.

Gardai were alerted to the scene at around 1:30pm on Sunday – and a suspect was arrested from the property later that evening. On Monday the suspect remained in garda custody, where he can be questioned for up to 24 hours.

Shane Knott (36), was discovered in the back garden of a house at Eustace Demesne in Naas, Co Kildare, after 1pm on Sunday

It is understood that gardai were alerted to the scene when a man known to the suspect contacted them and said he had told him he’d killed someone. The man claimed to gardai that the suspect confessed to him that he’d killed Mr Knott.

Sources say the suspect has since claimed he got into a row with Mr Knott and that he killed him in self defence. The man is known to gardai and was taken out of the property, walking on a crutch.

Shocked locals said they did not know the deceased and heard no commotion before seeing Gardai outside the property. However locals said they knew the arrested man and said there had been issues in the area.

Gardai check bins near the scene this morning in Eustace Demesne, Naas, Co. Kildare where the body of a man was discovered

Gardai have since been seen searching bins around the estate and carrying out door to door enquiries. Mr Knott is understood to be a father and had ties to the Tallaght area of South Co Dublin. He was due to celebrate his 37th birthday next week – and tragically lost his father earlier this year.

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