A man is in custody following the discovery of a woman’s body in Mountmellick, County Laois. 

On Wednesday afternoon, Gardaí were called to an apartment on College Street in the Laois town. 

“They found a woman in her 30s,” Irish Times Crime & Security Editor Conor Lally told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“She had been assaulted there and she was pronounced dead at the scene. 

“There was a man present at the scene, also in his 30s, and we understand that he was well known to the woman. 

“He was arrested; he was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and he was taken to Portlaoise Garda station. 

“He can be held for 24 hours without charge. So, we expect him to be either charged today or released without charge.” 

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out today. 

Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 8674100.

Main image: Irish Garda police lamp sign.