Elderly woman’s body found at home in rural Waterford as gardai ‘investigating all circumstances’ around grim discovery

GARDAI have launched a major probe following the discovery of an elderly woman’s body at a home in Waterford.

Officers were alerted to the body of the woman, believed to be in her 80s, at a residential property in the rural area of Ardsallagh near Youghal Bridge shortly after 2pm this afternoon.

The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene, which is tonight preserved for a forensic examination.

A Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation and an incident room has been established at Dungarvan Garda Station.

A Garda Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has also been appointed to support the family.

The Coroner and the Office of the State Pathologist have been notified and the services of the Garda Technical Bureau have also been requested to assist with the investigation.

A post-mortem examination is to be arranged and the results will assist investigating gardai in determining the course of their inquiries.

Gardai said they are “investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the discovery”.

A garda spokesman said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses, in particular those who were in the Ardsallagh or Youghal Bridge areas in recent days. Road users with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from the area, are also urged to come forward.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Dungarvan Garda Station at 058 848600 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

“Investigations are ongoing and further updates will follow.”