Cellmate arrested on suspicion of prisoner's murder as victim is ...
Martin Salinger from Ballyfermot was stabbed to death in Cloverhill early this morning
A prisoner has died after being involved in an incident at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin (Niall Carson/PA)
A CELLMATE of the 43-year-old man who was stabbed to death with a ‘makeshift’ weapon in his cell in Cloverhill Prison has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The victim, named locally as Martin Salinger from Ballyfermot, South Dublin was attacked with a ‘shiv' in his cell on the D1 protection land, shortly before 5.30 am this morning.
A third inmate in the cell was also injured during the attack.
In a statement, gardai this evening confirmed that a man, understood to be a cellmate of Salinger’s, was arrested in the prison this afternoon on suspicion of murder.
The statement said: “Gardaí at Ronanstown continue to investigate all the circumstances surrounding the death of a prisoner at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin on Saturday, 5th October 2024.
“This afternoon, Gardaí arrested a male (aged in his 30s) on suspicion of murder.
“He is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in West Dublin.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
Sources said officers in Cloverhill were alerted to this morning’s unfolding tragedy by noise coming from the cell.
Efforts were made to save the life of the deceased man but it’s understood his injuries were too severe.
The second inmate was taken to the prison infirmary for treatment.
In a statement, the Irish Prison Service extended its sympathies to Mr. Salinger’s family.
“The Irish Prison Service can confirm the death of a person in custody in Cloverhill Prison on 5th October 2024,” the statement read.
“This incident is being investigated by An Garda Síochána and it would not be appropriate to comment further.
“All deaths in custody are also investigated by the office of the Inspector of Prisons.
“The Irish Prison Service wish to express our condolences to the deceased’s family and friends.”
The scene of the killing remains preserved for a full forensic and technical examination.
Earlier gardai confirmed that the coroner has been notified and the services of the State Pathologist and Garda Technical Bureau had been requested.
A Garda Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to the family of the deceased.
“The investigation is ongoing and further updates will follow,” a garda spokesperson said.
