Man arrested as probe continues into Midleton death

Gardaí investigating the murder of a 57-year-old woman in Midleton in Co Cork have arrested a man in his late 40s for questioning about the woman's death.

Catherine Smart was found dead in her home in Bailick Court yesterday morning

Detectives arrested the man at a location in Cork city in the past hour under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, which allows gardaí hold suspects for up to 24 hours.

The man has been brought to Midleton Garda Station where he will be questioned about the death of Mrs Smart.

The body of the separated mother of three was found in the kitchen area of her house at Bailick Court by gardaí at 9.45am yesterday, when they responded to a call to the emergency services made by a male caller.

Mrs Smart had suffered serious head injuries and a doctor pronounced her dead at the scene.

State Pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a post-mortem on the dead woman at Cork University Hospital.

While gardaí have declined to reveal the results of the post-mortem it is believed that Mrs Smart died a violent death.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the Bailick Road or Bailick Court area between 3am and 9.45am yesterday to contact Midleton Garda Station on 021-4361324.