Man arrested for murder of Ashling Murphy released from custody and eliminated from garda inquiry

The man who had been held at Tullamore garda station since Wednesday was allowed to leave custody tonight.

In a statement, Gardaí said: “This male has been eliminated from Garda enquiries and is no longer a suspect.”

The shock development comes after officers had earlier stated that they were only looking for one individual in relation to the attack.

Gardaí have now issued a fresh appeal for members of the public to come forward with information in relation the death of Ms Murphy.

It is understood that a post-mortem which took place earlier today showed she died by strangulation.

Two women witnessed part of the attack which took place along a popular jogging route in Tullamore.

Detectives believe that other people out walking may have seen Ms Murphy or her attacker in the area around 4pm on Wednesday.

In particular gardaí have appealed for information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike described as having “straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks”.

“Gardaí continue to appeal for any person with any information on this fatal assault, who may not already have spoken to investigators, to come forward with that information,” a statement said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

More to follow