The victim of a violent attack in Rahan, Co Offaly, has been named locally as Lorna Woodnutt. 

Ms Woodnutt, aged in her 40s, was from the local area. 

A 16-year-old boy, who was known to Ms Woodnutt, was arrested at the scene of the fatal incident yesterday afternoon and remains in custody. 

Local Councillor Tony McCormack said it is an unspeakabale tragedy for the local community. 

“The whole community is just in shock at the moment,” he said. 

“Words just can’t explain how we all feel today. 

“It’s like something you’d read about or see in some other far-flung places, whether that’s the deepest part of America or the UK or Europe 

“It's not something you think is going to happen in your town or somewhere beside your town in a place like Rahan which is completely community-oriented [place]."

Lorna Woodnutt

Cllr McCormack said the incident reminded many locals of the death of Aisling Murphy in 2022. 

“When we think about the Aisling Murphy situation and the trial for that starting next week, it brings back so many of those terrible memories back to the forefront,” he said. 

“It's such different circumstances, but the whole thing is brought back up again.” 

The boy can remain detained for 24 hours, after which point, he must be charged or released. 

Gardaí said they’re not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. 

A video and photos of the incident has been shared online, and Gardaí have urged people to not watch or share the video. 

Cllr McCormack said he knows people who watched the video without realising what it was and were “disturbed”. 

“Out of respect for the family, turn it off,” he said.