Victim in fatal assault on man (46) in Monaghan is believed to be Ukrainian

Gardaí are expected to launch a homicide investigation into the death of 46-year-old Mykola Dernovi.

It is understood that Mr Dernovi was a Ukrainian man living in Ireland and it is suspected that he was the victim of a sustained and vicious assault.

One line of enquiry is that he suffered a heart attack after an attack at a flat in the Diamond area of Clones, Co Monaghan.

Though no arrests have been made in relation to the incident, sources say that a chief suspect has been identified.

Sinn Féin councillor for Clones Pat Treanor said the news had shocked those in the area.

“Since the news was coming through last night, the people of the town are shocked to hear of this tragic incident,” Councillor Treanor said.

“Some family is suffering a loss and there would be great empathy with the family.”

The discovery of the body in the Co Monaghan town was made shortly after 10pm on Saturday.

Gardaí were alerted to the scene of the fatality by ambulance personnel who had responded to an emergency call.

“The victim in this case suffered a very bad beating and the scene was fairly harrowing when emergency services arrived at the property,” a source said.

In a statement, An Garda Síochána said a port-mortem is due to take place.

“Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances surrounding the discovery of a body in Clones, Co Monaghan, on the night of Saturday, June 1,” a garda spokesperson said.

“A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.”