GARDAÍ BELIEVE THAT the man arrested in connection with the death of a woman in Portlaoise is known to her, and they are not looking for other suspects, sources have said. 

The man, who is in his 70s, was arrested at the scene of the incident at a house on Church Street, Portlaoise. 

A woman, who was in her 50s, was found dead and gardaí believe she was the victim of an early morning assault. It is understood the woman was stabbed in a row.  

Gardaí and emergency services were called to a house in the town centre of Portlaoise shortly after 12.30pm yesterday.

The man, who is chief suspect for the death, was arrested at the scene and is being detained at a garda station. He can be detained for a maximum of 24 hours, excluding rest periods and during medical treatment. 

Forensic scientists were at the scene yesterday and today as they gathered evidence. 

Paddy Buggy, a local Portlaoise councillor, said people were in “deep shock” as news filtered out of the death of the woman. 

“It is a very sad occasion for all involved. No one wants to see this happening on our streets. 

“A man has gone into custody as a result of it. Everyone is shocked and that is natural a thing for people in a small town to feel when confronted with this kind of a situation,” he said. 

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses to come forward and have asked for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to make contact with them.