Gardaí await toxicology results after woman’s body found

GARDAÍ are awaiting the results of toxicology tests following the discovery of a woman’s body in a house at Patrickswell, Limerick, at about 7pm on Tuesday.

The woman has been named as Carol Hickey, 43, from Galbally. She was a separated mother of four children.

State pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a postmortem examination at the Mid-Western Regional Hospital yesterday.

Superintendent Frank O’Brien said the results of the postmortem were inconclusive and they were awaiting the results of toxicology tests.

He said there was nothing to suggest at this point that anything sinister occurred and there were no signs of violence.

A person in the house alerted the emergency services and the area was cordoned off for a detailed forensic examination.

Local sources said yesterday that Ms Hickey had called to visit friends in Patrickswell. Initially gardaí said they were treating the death as suspicious.

Toxicology tests may take some days.

Supt O’Brien said that in most cases a postmortem can give a general cause of death but in some cases further toxicology tests are required.