Gardai investigating the murder of 75-year-old Miriam Burns at her home in Killarney, Co Kerry, on Monday, fear the mother of four suffered a violent death at the hands of someone known to her.
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of murder just one hour after the murder investigation was confirmed by gardai following post-mortem results.
The man, who was detained in the south Kerry area, was taken to Killarney garda station, where he was held under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and can be questioned for up to 24 hours.
Gardaí have refused to release the findings of a post-mortem examination for operational reasons but confirmed they are treating the grandmother's death as murder.
"A post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday at University Hospital Kerry (UHK) by State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons," a garda spokesperson said.
"An incident room has been established at Killarney garda station, and a murder investigation has commenced under the direction of a senior investigating officer.
"A family liaison officer has been appointed and continues to keep the family informed of the investigation.
"Gardaí are appealing to any persons who were in the Ardshanavooly area of Killarney between 5pm on Friday, August 12, and 1pm on Monday, August 15, and observed any activity which drew their attention to come forward."
Ms Burns's body was discovered after one of her children living abroad grew concerned for her welfare when they could not make contact with her.
Neighbours then called to the house to check on Ms Burns, who was subsequently found dead in the front room of her home in the Ardshanavooly estate.
Gardai were alerted to the scene, and the pensioner was pronounced dead a short time later. It is believed she may have been dead for some time.
It is understood she sustained head and neck injuries and was found to have dried blood surrounding those areas.
Local sources told the Irish Independent that Ms Burns had not been seen since last Friday evening.
Gardai are now trying to piece together when exactly the mother died.
Detectives are also trying to establish who may have had contact with her in the hours before her death.
Gardai also confirmed there was no sign of forced entry at the house.
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