Gardaí are appealing for witnesses as part of their investigation into the murder of Philip Finnegan.

The 24-year-old’s body was discovered last Friday night at Rahin Woods in Kildare – off the main Kinnegad/Edenderry Road.

The young man had been missing from his home at Mary Aikenhead House in Dublin 8 since August 10th.

Although Philip was known to authorities, chief superintendent Barry McPolin told reporters this afternoon that he was not aware of threats to his life.

Gardaí are searching for a weapon believed to have been used in the killing, which has been linked to a Dublin gang. 

Detectives remain tight-lipped about the cause of death, and whether an attempt was made to set fire to the remains.

At a press briefing this afternoon, they said they want to hear from anyone who noticed any unusual activity in the woods from the time Philip went missing to September 2nd, when his remains were found.

Mr McPolin, who is leading the investigation, described him as a son and father who was sadly missed by his family.

"[Philip's] life was snuffed out in Rahin Woods. We're determined to get to the bottom of this heinous crime," he said.