Three questioned in connection with Longford murder

Three people were today being questioned in connection with the murder of a mother in Longford.

Gardaí investigating the killing of Sharon Coughlan, found strangled just doors from where she lived with her young children and partner, swooped on suspects this morning.

A 28-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested shortly after 11am at a housing estate on the outskirts of the town.

Then, just after 1pm, investigating officers moved to arrest another man, a 19-year-old, as part of their inquiries.

All three are being held at Longford Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Ms Coughlan, 37, a barmaid in the town, was found strangled on Saturday night in the downstairs bathroom of a house in Great Water Street.

The crime scene was only a few doors away from where she lived with her two children, aged 10 and five, and her partner.

Originally from the UK, Ms Coughlan had lived in Longford for more than 20 years, and worked at the Market Bar in Ballymahon Street.