Inquiry into woman's body found in burnt-out car

The scene on Hendrick St this morning. Photograph: Luke Cassidy<P>

The scene on Hendrick St this morning. Photograph: Luke Cassidy

Gardai are still trying to establish a cause of death for the woman whose remains were found in a burnt-out car this morning.

Making a fresh appeal for information in relation to the death, officers said they had not yet formally identified the victim.

Firefighters called to extinguish the car blaze in Dublin's north inner city at 4.30am made the gruesome discovery. The incident has shocked residents in Hendrick Street, which is in the Smithfield area of the capital.

A post mortem exam has not yet been completed on the woman's remains and the vehicle has been removed from the scene.

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Speaking at Bridewell Garda Station, chief superintendent Michael Feehan said a full investigation has been launched. He appealed for anyone in the area at that time, including residents, taxi drivers or people passing through, to come forward with any information they may have.

"We have not yet positively identified the female who was in the car," he said. "We are appealing for anybody who has any information which may be of assistance to us in this investigation to call us at the Bridewell.

"We appreciate hearing from any of these people who may be able to tell us anything." Mr Feehan refused to comment on reports that the woman was a non-national, possibly Nigerian, or that the incident was racially motivated.

He would also not speculate that two youths were seen running from the area at around the same time.

Anyone with information can call gardai at the Bridewell on 01 666 8200.

Additonal reporting PA

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy

Luke Cassidy is Digital Production Editor of The Irish Times