Murder investigation to be launched after woman’s body is found in Dundalk

The woman (62), named locally as Catherine Henry, was found with serious injuries at a property on Bridge Street, Dundalk, on Wednesday evening.

She was pronounced dead at the scene which was later sealed-off as gardaí began carrying out inquiries into the incident.

Her body remained at the property overnight and was subsequently removed to a local mortuary where a post-mortem was conducted yesterday afternoon by the Office of the State Pathologist.

This has since been completed and gardaí are now expected to upgrade their investigation to a murder inquiry.

One source told Independent.ie: “Gardaí had already committed the resources of a murder investigation to this incident prior to the post-mortem, and it is expected to be formally upgraded in due course.

“The serious injuries she suffered are believed to have been caused by a third-party and several lines of inquiry are being pursued.

“No arrests have yet been made, but enquiries are ongoing in order to progress the investigation.”

Gardaí in Dundalk are continuing to appeal for any witnesses who were in the Bridge Street area on Wednesday, or who have any information in relation to the incident, to contact them.

Following the discovery of Ms Henry’s body, the scene was preserved to facilitate an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

A family liaison officer has also been appointed to the victim's family, who are being kept updated on the Garda inquiry.

Investigators have been conducting door-to-door inquiries as part of the probe while detectives are also canvassing the area to gather CCTV footage.

Gardaí said yesterday that the results of the post-mortem examination will determine the course of the garda investigation and that no further information is available at this time.

The Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Dundalk Fianna Fáil councillor Conor Keelan, said the tragedy is being felt in the community.

“It’s a tragic occurrence for a lady to be discovered in such a fashion. Our thoughts and sympathies go to her family and friends in the locality. I’d like to extend my sympathies to all those who knew her at this very sad time. It’s a tragic shock for her family and friends what has occurred,” he said.

“There have been a number of tragedies in both Dundalk and Drogheda over the last day or two, so we would just like to extend sympathies to all those affected.”