A body discovered during searches for Aoife Phelan in Co. Laois is that of the 30-year-old.

Gardaí say her remains were formally identified by family members today.

Her body was found buried at the rear of a house on the Timahoe Road outside Portlaoise yesterday morning.

Gardaí in Portlaoise are continuing to question a 24-year-old man who was arrested last night.

Appeal for caution

Meanwhile Gardaí are urging caution when posting comments on social media websites about Aoife.

It follows a request on Facebook from a member of her family to shut down the “RIP Aoife Phelan” page down.

The page now has over 4,000 followers.

Padraigh Farrelly is a Crime Prevention Officer for Laois-Offaly.

Speaking to Midlands 103 he is asking that people respect the Phelan family.