AN IRISH MAN is in custody after an Irish woman was found dead with serious injuries inside the home of a young family in Melbourne.

Police were called to a property on Ferntree Gully Road in the suburb of Ferntree Gully, located about 30 kilometres from the Central Business District about 10am on Friday 21 August about 1am Irish time.

Officers arrived to find an injured woman. Paramedics tried to save her, but she died at the scene. Victoria State Police have identified the woman as mother of three Annmarie O’Reilly (39) who is originally from Clonmel in County Tipperary. 

In an emotional tribute on social media her cousin John O’Reilly wrote: “What a cruel world we live in. Rest in peace to my cousin Annmarie. God look over your children at this sad time and help my uncle and wife get through this sad time. May you get the best bed in heaven.”

Police arrested a 45-year-old Ferntree Gully man who remains in custody. It is believed that he was originally from County Waterford.  Witnesses reported seeing the man taken into custody wearing a hazmat suit.

Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the woman’s death, while forensic officers spent much of Friday collecting evidence at the property and were expected to continue their work into the evening. A pet dog was also seen being removed by local authorities. Police have not disclosed the nature of the woman’s injuries or the relationship between the woman and the man in custody.

In a statement, Victoria-based police confirmed that they “arrested a man” after a woman was located “deceased” inside a residential property in Ferntree Gully. “Emergency services were called to the residence on Ferntree Gully Road just before 10am on 21 August and located an injured woman,” the statement continued.

Police added that despite “efforts to revive the yet-to-be-identified woman, she was declared deceased at the scene.

“A 45-year-old Ferntree Gully man was arrested nearby and remains in custody. A crime scene has been established, and Homicide Squad detectives are attending the scene. It is believed the parties were known to each other.”

He has not been charged.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it is aware of the death of an Irish woman in suspicious circumstances in Melbourne. A Department spokesperson said: “It is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance. As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of individual cases.”