GARDAÍ IN Wicklow are investigating the cause of a fire in the grounds of a church in which a man was killed early yesterday.
A prefab building behind Christ Church on Church Road in Bray was destroyed in the fire, which began just after 3am.
It is understood the victim was in his 20s and was known locally to gardaí. He was sleeping in the building when the blaze broke out.
Gardaí at the scene said that the victim was recently made homeless and used the building regularly as a squat.
Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis carried out a forensic examination at the scene. The victim’s body was removed shortly after 2pm and taken to Loughlinstown hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Reverend Baden Stanley of Christ Church said his thoughts and prayers were with the victim’s family “on this very sad and tragic day”.
A reflection service will be held at the church at 8pm tonight. Local councillor John Brady described the incident as “tragic” and praised the quick action of the local firemen in ensuring the blaze did not spread to adjoining prefabs.
“There is a very close-knit community here that is shocked at today’s news,” he said. “I pay tribute to the fire crew who did a great job in ensuring the fire didn’t spread to the church and other prefabs.”
A Garda spokesman said that gardaí were following an open line of inquiry.