UPDATE: Kilkenny dancer’s killing linked with alleged rape and drugging of another man

BRITISH police have linked the death of an internationally renowned dancer from Kilkenny with the alleged drugging and rape of another man in London.

The body of tragic Adrian Murphy (43), who was a seven times All-Ireland dance champion, was discovered at a block of flats on Lombard Road, Battersea on Tuesday, June 4.

Last week a 17-year-old girl and a 24-year-old man were arrested in London on suspicion of murdering Mr Murphy, who was from the Maudlin Street area of Kilkenny city.

The man was subsequently bailed to attend a police station at a later date. The girl was released under investigation.

Detectives have linked the murder case to the alleged drug and rape of a 40-year-old man, who had invited another man he met on the gay dating app Grindr on May 30.

The 40-year-old man was rushed to a hospital in London and has since been discharged. His flat was ransacked while he was unconscious and property including laptops, mobile phones, a wallet and cash, were stolen.

London police have now launched an investigation into both incidents, and into the possibility that the same suspect is behind both shocking cases.

Meanwhile, Mr Murphy’s heartbroken family have paid emotional tributes to the talented dancer, choreographer and producer on social media.

His brother Robert said: “Hard to fathom. So funny but gone before his time.”

Another brother Frank penned a special poem for his sibling, saying: “I am thinking of you looking at the stars. The colours that you wore of gay with Pride. Influenced not by those who disapproved. Your life a whirlwind of the brightest rainbow.”