Nun was sexually assaulted and strangled

Gardai investigating the murder of a nun in Co Monaghan have said the woman was sexually assaulted and strangled.

The woman has been named locally as Sr Philomena Lyons, 58, who had lived in Ballybay for more than 30 years.

She was a former teacher in the town of Ballybay and retired two years ago.

Gardai have now established her last movements.

The nun left the convent between 7am and 8am yesterday and waited at the convent gate for a bus.

Her bags were later found at the gate and her body was found in a laneway about 200 yards from the convent.

Gardai have set up an incident room in Ballybay Garda Station and want to hear from anyone who may have been in the vicinity between 7am and 8pm yesterday.