OAP 'beaten to death with a vodka bottle'

GARDAI investigating the death of a pensioner believe he was punched and then beaten to death with a vodka bottle.

- BY DAVID RALEIGH

Michael Hayes, who was in his 70s, was attacked outside his home in Limerick at 11.30pm on Thursday.

A man in his 40s, who knew him but is not related, was arrested in connection with his death.

Gardai believe Mr Hayes was assaulted and beaten with a vodka bottle that was wrapped in a bag.

Officers were working on a number of theories yesterday, including that the victim suffered a critical head injury when he investigated a disturbance outside his home at St Michael's Court, Watergate in the city.

Mr Hayes’ neighbour Geraldine Costello paid tribute to the victim, saying: “Michael was a lovely boy, he'd always go out of his way to do a good turn for you.

“His dog, Daisy, is crying all the time because Michael is not there, I was only talking to (Michael) yesterday, I'm after getting an awful shock.