An investigation is underway following the discovery of a man's body in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

The body was found in a sleeping bag near the Wellington Monument in the early hours of this morning - the man had suffered burn injuries.

The discovery was made at around 1am this morning by a park warden on a routine patrol.

Gardaí were called to the scene and found the body of a man in a sleeping bag in a sheltered, wooded area of the park near the Wellington Monument, which is frequented by homeless people.

Gardaí believe the man suffered burn injuries and it's understood they are trying to establish if his sleeping bag went on fire accidentally, possibly by a cigarettte, or whether it was set deliberately.

The scene of this morning's gruesome find in the Phoenix Park

They found the body of a man in a sheltered area off Wellington Road.

The area has been sealed off - the Garda Technical Bureau is carrying out a forensic examination and the State Pathologist has been notified. The exact cause of death will not be known until a post mortem examination takes place later.

Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses who may have been in the area of Wellington Road between 12:30am and 1am this morning to contact Cabra garda station on 01-666-7400, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111 or any garda station.