Man arrested after woman's body found at house in Waterford

Gardaí have launched a major investigation, with forensic examinations and autopsy pending

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, which is currently preserved for a forensic examination. Picture Maurice O'Mahony

A man has been arrested after the discovery of the body of a woman at a house in Waterford.

Shortly after 2pm on Monday, gardaí found the woman, believed to be in her 80s, at a residence in the rural area of Ardsallagh near Youghal Bridge.

The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, which has been preserved for a forensic examination.

A man, aged in his 30s, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with the investigation.

He is currently detained pursuant to Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a garda station in the South Eastern Region.

A senior investigating officer has been appointed to lead the investigation, and an incident room has been established at Dungarvan Garda Station.

A garda family liaison officer has also been appointed to support the family of the deceased woman.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána told the Irish Examiner that the coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified, and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau have also been requested to assist with the investigation.

An autopsy examination will be arranged, and the results will assist investigating gardaí in determining the course of their inquiries.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the Ardsallagh or Youghal Bridge areas in recent days.

“Road users with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from the area, are also urged to come forward,” the spokesperson said.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Dungarvan garda station at 058 848600 or the garda confidential line at 1800 666 111.”

No further information in relation to the case is available as investigations are ongoing.