BREAKING: Man dies in Athy stabbing: Gardai launch murder inquiry

Gardai have launched an murder investigation after a man seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Athy has died.  

Pic: William Cahill

The victim in his 30s was involved in an altercation on Duke Street in Athy.     The victim was transferred to the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise earlier this morning, and was said to be in a serious condition. However he lost his battle for life this afternoon.     Garda Supt Martin Walker today held a media briefing near the scene of the stabbing at 4pm this afternoon.     The senior Garda said officers are following several lines of inquiry and appealed for witnesses to the incident to come forward. Contact Athy Gardai on (059) 863 4210 or 1800 666 111.   A burnt-out car (above) was found in an area near a pharmacy on the Stradbally Road in the early hours of this morning. Gardai issued a specific appeal on the silver-coloured Audi which was taken from the scene of the stabbing and later set alight.     Sealed off street    Gardaí arrived at the scene at around 6am this morning and sealed off an area around Duke Street and Woodstock Street. A team of crime scene investigators are conducting a forensic investigation.   It is understood the victim was from Nurney, a village about 12km from Athy. Locals have described him as a "hard worker". A Garda has been appointed as a Family Liaison Officer to work with relatives of the deceased. Detectives are making a particular appeal to a group of young men who were at the scene and left soon after the attack. CCTV footage is also being examined as part of the investigation. Supt Walker, who briefed journalists this evening, described the attack as "shocking".     WATCH RTE video of Supt Walker's Appeal:    https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/1058039268394835968