'Deep shock' after woman is killed in 'traumatising' Midlands attack

There has been an outpouring of shock and sadness around Tullamore today after a local woman was killed in a disturbing violent attack.

A teenage boy has been arrested following the violent death of a woman at a house near Rahan, outside Tullamore, Co Offaly on Friday.

Gardaí rushed to the scene of what they have described as "a violent incident." It's understood a woman was killed violently with a weapon with images of the incident circulating online.

Independent Laois Offaly TD Carol Nolan has been one of the first public representatives to react to the horror killing.

“My heartfelt condolences and sympathy go out to this lady’s family," she said..

"Violence of this nature is always a traumatising and shattering event, and I can only imagine what they are going through. The community will be deeply shocked and saddened by this tragedy. I want to fully support the work of the gardaí in their efforts to establish the facts. My prayers are with all of those impacted by this terrible and dreadfully distressing event.”

In a statement, gardaí confirmed they were at the scene of a violent incident at a residential property in a rural area outside of Tullamore.

"At approximately 1pm, Gardaí and Emergency Services responded to reports of a violent incident at a residential property near Tullamore. The body of a woman, aged in her 40s, was discovered in the property.

"A male child was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Midlands. The boy is known to the woman and investigating Gardaí are not looking for any other persons in connection with this incident.

"The scene is currently preserved pending forensic and technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau. The Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been informed.

"A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed and an incident room has been established at Tullamore Garda Station. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed in the case.

"An Garda Síochána is aware that images from this incident are circulating on social media and messaging apps and is appealing to any person who receives these images not to share the content further.

Due to the tragic nature of this incident the Gardaí has called for responsible media reporting.