Ireland

Ashling Murphy murder: Second man arrested

A vigil took place at Belfast City Hall in memory of Ashling Murphy. Picture by Hugh Russell
A vigil took place at Belfast City Hall in memory of Ashling Murphy. Picture by Hugh Russell A vigil took place at Belfast City Hall in memory of Ashling Murphy. Picture by Hugh Russell

Gardaí investigating the killing of Ashling Murphy in Co Offaly have arrested a second man, who has been detained in the eastern part of Ireland.

The man, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is being questioned in relation to the potential withholding of information.

Another man remains in custody. The man, who is aged in his 30s, was arrested on Tuesday in Co Offaly, on suspicion of murder.

Gardaí  said the man is being questioned at Tullamore Garda station.

The arrest was made after police renewed an appeal for information, saying “significant progress” had been made with their investigation

The body of Ms Murphy, a talented musician and teacher, was found on the banks of the Grand Canal in Tullamore last Wednesday.

Large crowds gathered in the village of Mountbolus and outside St Brigid’s Church, where her funeral was held on Tuesday.

Mourners included Irish president Michael D Higgins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Vigils have been held across Ireland and the world to remember Ms Murphy and to call for a change in tackling gender-based violence.