Gardaí investigating the murder of Ashling Murphy have appealed for information on a man in a black tracksuit.

The 23-year-old schoolteacher was attacked while out jogging along the canal near Tullamore on Wednesday.

She will be laid to rest at a funeral service in St. Brigid's Church, Mountbolus, County Offaly tomorrow.

In a statement this evening, Gardaí said “significant progress” is being made in the investigation and urged anyone with any information who has yet to come forward to contact them as soon as possible.

Investigators said they want to talk to anyone who was on the Grand Canal Way between Digby’s bridge and Ballycommon on the morning or afternoon of the attack – ‘regardless of whether you think you saw anything’.

They are also asking the people of Tullamore to consider whether they saw a man dressed in a black tracksuit after the attack, which happened at around 4pm on Wednesday.

They described him as wearing a black top with no hood, black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners.

• Did you see this man walking in the Tullamore area?
• Did you give a lift to this man on the evening of the 12th January 2022.
• Did you notice this man loitering at any location or involved in any activity which drew your attention?

They are also continuing to appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks.

Anyone who saw the bike before 4pm on Wednesday 12th January 2022 and in the previous days or weeks is urged to contact Gardaí.

Anyone who captured any camera footage in the Tullamore area on the day of the attack is also encouraged to contact Gardaí.

Ashling Murphy is seen in this undated photo. Picture by: rip.ie

Investigators also warned people against sharing information about the attack on social media, “particularly private messaging apps”.

“An Garda Síochána appeals to everyone to STOP sharing these messages,” said a spokesperson.

“Not only are they misinformed, inaccurate and dangerous, they are unhelpful to the criminal investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact the dedicated phone line 057 9357060 at Tullamore Garda Station.