A fresh suspect in the murder of Ashling Murphy is being treated for minor injuries in a Dublin hospital.
Detectives are keeping a discreet watch on the man and are expected to speak to him when he is well enough.
Officers are ready to swoop in case he makes a run for it.
It’s understood brave Ashling,23, fought in vain for her life, and now Gardai have the strangler’s DNA.
The Irish Mirror has learned that investigators have also recovered DNA from the Falcon Storm bike which they believe will be “crucial” in nailing Ashling’s killer.
The suspect turned up a Dublin hospital on Thursday with cuts. Detectives tracked him down and are ready to arrest him once doctors say he is medically fit to be discharged from hospital.
It’s understood gardai were searching a house outside Tullamore last night as part of the wide-ranging probe.
The news comes as thousands turned out at vigils across the country in Ashling’s memory, with her family attending one near the scene of her murder which occurred at the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly on Wednesday at around 4pm.
Last night it emerged a second woman reported being stalked along the canal just two hours before Ashling was brutally attacked.
A Garda spokesman said: “Significant progress has been made in the investigation to date.
“An Garda Síochána continue to support Ashling’s family at this time. The Murphy family are appreciative and overwhelmed by the national outpouring of support shown to them.”
The new suspect does not know the man who was arrested initially after Ashling’s murder.
That 40-year-old man was released from custody on Thursday night without charge and was dropped as a suspect in Garda enquiries.
The man is in a hotel and is said to be remaining in hiding until it is clear to the community that he had nothing to do with the crime.
Gardai have received widespread support in the area with many coming forward and assisting the inquiry.
Yesterday a spokesman said: “An Garda Síochána wishes to acknowledge the support of the public to date and in order to assist the public in providing information to the investigation team a dedicated phone line 057 9357060 has been established at Tullamore Garda station.
“An Garda Síochána continue to appeal to any person who has not made contact with the investigation team and who has any information on this fatal assault to come forward.
“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.
“Gardaí continue to appeal to any persons that were in the Cappincur/ Canal walk area of Tullamore, County Offaly before 4pm, Wednesday, 12th January 2022, to make contact with them.
“Gardaí continue to appeal to any person in and between the Tullamore town centre area and the wider approach roads to The Grand Canal Way in the vicinity of Capincur on the 12th January 2022, with any form of video footage (Dashcam, CCTV, Mobile phone, GoPro Cam etc..), to contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 9357060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
