Probe into Brazilian woman's stabbing death

Detectives were tonight examining a knife found close to where a young Brazilian woman was stabbed to death.

A 35-year-old man – also Brazilian – was being questioned about the murder of Kziaz Gomez Jose in Co Roscommon in the Irish Midlands.

The body of the woman, who is thought to be in her mid-20s, was found in a house at Lanesboro Street, Roscommon town, yesterday evening.

Paula McNamara, a local councillor, said the murder has sent shockwaves through the small town, that has attracted a large Brazilian community in recent years.

“This is a shock for everybody because it’s a very quiet town,” she said.

“It’s the first time in living memory we have had anything like this.”

The 300-strong Brazilian community came originally to work in meat factories, with many later taking up posts in offices and shops.

“They’re a very quiet and affable people, they are very well thought of in the town,” said Ms McNamara.

The Roscommon County councillor said there were reports that Ms Gomez Jose was attacked on the street in front of people.

“It was done in front of witnesses, from what I hear,” she said.

“Lanesboro Street is quite a busy street.”

A Garda spokesman said the arrested man was being questioned at Roscommon Garda Station under section four of the Criminal Justice Act.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy examined the scene before carrying out a full post mortem examination at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

Garda headquarters said the results of the tests were not being released for operational reasons.

It is believed the woman had been living in Ireland for the last 18 months.

She was staying in rented accommodation above a shop on Lanesboro Street.