Issue Date: 05/07/2026
Gardaí in Laois are investigating a fatal assault which occurred in Portlaoise this afternoon, Sunday 5th July 2026.
Gardaí and emergency services responded to the incident at a domestic residence at Church Street shortly after 12:30pm.
A woman aged in her 50s was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.
A man aged in his 70s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained at a station in the Garda Eastern Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
The scene is currently preserved for technical examination.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation. An incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda station.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Anyone who was in the Church Street area on Sunday, 5th July 2026 between 11:00am and 1:00pm and who may have camera footage, including CCTV or dashcam, is asked to provide this footage to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Investigations are ongoing.
