A woman aged in her 50s has been found dead following a fatal assault in Co Laois.
The incident happened at a house at Church Street, near Main Street, in Portlaoise at around 12.30pm.
A man aged in his 70s was arrested at the scene and he is being held at Portlaoise Garda Station.
The State Pathologist has been notified and a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
The scene is currently preserved for technical examination.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Portlaoise Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage who were travelling in the area this afternoon to come forward.