Gardaí in Tullamore investigating the murder of primary school teacher Ashling Murphy last week are urging members of the public who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area to come forward.
On January 12, the 23-year-old primary school teacher was viciously attacked on the Grand Canal Way between Boland’s Lough and Digby’s bridge.
The scene remains sealed off as a crime scene.
A garda spokesman said: "An Garda Síochána are now asking for any member of the public who was on the Grand Canal Way on the morning or afternoon of the 12th January 2022 between Digby’s bridge and Ballycommon to contact the investigation team. Whether you think you saw anything or not please contact Gardaí in Tullamore.
"An Garda Síochána continue to appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks (image attached) prior to 4pm on Wednesday 12th January 2022 and in the previous days/ weeks.
"Gardai are looking to speak to anyone who saw a man dressed in a black tracksuit top (no hood), black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners.
"Did you see a man dressed in black tracksuit top (no hood), black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners.
"Did you see this man walking in the Tullamore area? Did you give a lift to this man on the evening of the 12th January 2022.
"Did you notice this man loitering at any location or involved in any activity which drew your attention?"
Gardaí are also appealing to anyone in the general Tullamore area with any form of video footage such as dashcam or mobile phone footage to get in contact.
Meanwhile, Gardai said that they are concerned about people who are sharing information on social media, and in particular private messaging apps.
"An Garda Síochána appeals to everyone to STOP sharing these messages. Not only are they misinformed, inaccurate and dangerous, they are unhelpful to the criminal investigation.
"If you have information, which is relevant to this criminal investigation you should contact the investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station with this information.
The investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station can be contacted on 9357060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
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