UPDATE: Incident room set up in Tullamore as investigation launched into murder of woman in her 40s

An incident room has been set up in Tullamore as an investigation has been launched into the murder of woman in her 40s.

Gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in County Offaly this afternoon, Friday, September 29.

At approximately 1pm, Gardaí and Emergency Services responded to reports of a violent incident at a residential property near Tullamore. The body of a woman, aged in her 40s, was discovered in the property.

A male child was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda Station in the Midlands. The boy is known to the woman and investigating Gardaí are not looking for any other persons in connection with this incident.

Tullamore 'deeply shocked and saddened' as woman is killed in violent attack

The scene is currently preserved pending forensic and technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been informed.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed and an incident room has been established at Tullamore Garda Station.

A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed in the case.

An Garda Síochána is aware that images from this incident are circulating on social media and messaging apps and is appealing to any person who receives these images not to share the content further.