GARDAI are treating as suspicious the death of Michael O’Sullivan who was found dead following a house fire in Cork.
The Irish Sun understands cops probing the 62-year-old’s death are trying to trace a woman who may have valuable information concerning the fire in a flat in Cork.
Tragic Michael’s body was found in a room in his home in Togher on the Southside of the city at around 7pm on Friday.
Gardai are treating as suspicious the discovery of the man in the smoke filled room where he lay dead by firefighters wearing breathing apparatus.
Neighbours heard cries for help from the flat and they ran to help while also alerting the emergency services.
One brave woman helped a female who was in the property to safety, but the woman did not remain at the scene nor seek help from paramedics.
The heroine who saved her was treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.
Sources said that materials located at the scene of the tragedy led to Garda suspicions that the fire needed further investigation.
The materials are being forensically examined and the results, along with the results of the post-mortem examination which will be done tomorrow, will determine the course the probe will take.
A number of units of Cork City Fire Brigade and emergency services rushed to the house on Togher Road on the Southside of the city.
The body of Mr O’Sullivan, who lived alone, was discovered in a room in the property after firefighters managed to contain the blaze to one room.
Gardai sealed off the entrance to the block of flats and the services of the State Pathologist were requested and the local Coroner has been notified.
The Garda Technical Unit is also carrying out a full forensic examination of the property, focusing on the room in which the body was found.
The flat suffered considerable smoke damage, which also billowed out into the landing area.
Local City Councillor Fergal Dennehy spoke of the shock in the area.
“HEARTBREAKING TRAGEDY’
He said: “I want to offer my deepest condolences to the family of the man who lost his life tragically in the devastating fire that has impacted deeply on our entire community.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy that will affect many lives.
“I want to commend local neighbours who stepped in to assist a woman in safely exiting the premises. Their bravery and quick action in such a difficult situation are truly commendable”.
Gardai in Togher are appealing for anyone who may know anything about the fire or who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of the house on Togher Road to contact them.
