Gardaí are investigating the death of a woman in Co Offaly following an assault.
They are investigating the incident that happened at around 4.00pm on Wednesday, along the canal bank at Cappincur in Tullamore.
The body of the woman, aged in her 20s, remains at the scene.
The scene has been preserved and will remain preserved overnight.
A man in his 40s has been arrested in connection with this incident.
He is being held at Tullamore Garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.
The Office of the State Pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have been notified.
An incident room has also been established at Tullamore Garda station, and a family liaison officer has been appointed.
They are liaising with the family of the deceased, Gardaí say.
Officers are appealing for any person with any information to come forward.
In particular they are appealing to anyone who was in the Cappincur/Canal Walk area of Tullamore before 4.00pm on Wednesday to make contact with them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda station on 057-932-7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.