Francis Dunne, also known as Frankie, was found decapitated with his arms and legs cut off after the 64-year-old went missing in Cork on Christmas Day. He was found in undergrowth near a boarded-up derelict property called Castlegreina House which is used by homeless people after he vanished for three days. A murder probe has been launched and is the second in as many months.

Garda Supt Michael Comyns is leading the investigation.

He told the Irish Examiner he could not say if the murder took place in the area where his body was found.

He added police in the Republic believe the body had only been at the scene “a matter of days”.

He also said the deceased man had suffered “severe injuries”.

A postmortem examination was carried out at Cork University Hospital by a pathologist.

Castlegreina House has been unoccupied for years.

There have been incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area, with some people gathering around the house to drink, local reports have said.

Caitriona Twomey, who runs the Penny Dinners charity in Cork, said Mr Dunne was a “gentle soul”.

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She told the Irish Mirror: “We knew Frankie very well and he was a gentle soul.

“We’re all very saddened. We’re devastated it is Frankie because he is gentle, harmless and doesn’t bother anyone.

“There are no words really to describe how bad this is.

“It’s awful. I know there’s deaths and there’s violent deaths but this is really at the higher end.”

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Gardai have appealed to anyone who was in the area at the time.

They have also appealed to those who have dash cam footage to come forward.

The previous occupant in the house is understood to be in a care home.

The murder comes after another killing of a homeless man in October.

Timmy Hourihane was violently killed in what police call a random attack two months ago.

He was 53 and also killed in Cork having been found next to a burning tent.

Mr Hourihane, who was a chef, had been found badly beaten.

His family made a statement after his body was found.

They said: “The family of the late Timothy Hourihane are naturally devastated and are asking that their privacy be respected and they be given space to grieve at this sad time.

“Please give them time and space in this most difficult of times.

“The family would ask that people would give any assistance that they can to An Garda Síochána to help bring some closure to the matter.”

Two men have been arrested for questioning over the death of Mr Hourihane.

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