Gardaí launch murder investigation into woman's death in Limerick

Gardaí said a postmortem had been completed by State Pathologist, Dr Linda Mulligan but that the results are not being disclosed for operational reasons

Gardaí searchin the area on O'Curry St on Wednesday morning. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Gardaí probing the fatal assault of a woman in her 20s in Limerick have upgraded it to a murder investigation.

The woman’s body was discovered inside an apartment block on Dock Rd, just off O’Curry St, at around 1.30pm on Tuesday.

In a statement this evening, gardai said a post-mortem had been completed by State Pathologist, Dr Linda Mulligan but that the results are not being disclosed for operational reasons.

"An incident room has been established at Henry Street Garda Station and a murder investigation has commenced under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer. A Family Liaison Officer has been appointed and will keep the family informed of the investigation.

The Garda Technical Bureau is continuing with their examination of the scene."

Search teams today combed through drains and surveyed rooftops, yards, and gardens in the hope of finding evidence - including a weapon - which may lead them to the attacker.

Garda Technical Bureau officers arriving at the scene at O'Curry St, Limerick, last night. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Gardaí were also studying CCTV footage from nearby shops, flats, and commercial businesses in an effort to trace the movements of a man seen sporting a makeshift bandage on one of his hands around the time of the fatal attack on the woman.

The man was seen entering a local shop on Tuesday before washing his hands and then leaving. Gardaí interviewed staff at the shop, located close to the scene of the fatal attack, and removed a number of items from the premises.
Garda sources said they were anxious to speak to this individual as part of their ongoing enquiries.

A Garda Forensic Unit conducted a technical examination of the scene.

A local businessman who raised the alarm said he is praying for the victim and her family.

Derrick Amrein, owner of Chizel & Oak, O’Curry St, Limerick City, said he alerted the emergency services after he was asked for help by two people who ran from the building where the woman's body was discovered.

Mr Amrein said: “About 1pm yesterday, a man and a woman in pyjamas approached and asked to ring the emergency services.

The gardaí and the ambulances came very quickly. The emergency services were superb at the speed they came, they cordoned off the area and took over and then I heard later on that [the woman] passed away.

“It’s a very tight-knit old community and we are all in shock, we are frazzled by the whole thing, and everyone is expressing their anguish at what happened.

"The gardaí have been here all morning searching bins and all the [Garda] forensics have been here working right throughout the night.” 

Gardaí are appealing to any person who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact them. They are appealing to anyone who has camera footage from the Dock Road and O’Curry Street areas of Limerick City from 1:00pm – 2:00pm to contact them.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on 061 212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.