Gardaí say they are now treating the death of a 57-year-old woman whose body was found at her home in Midleton in east Co Cork earlier today as murder.
The woman has been named as Catherine Smart, a separated mother-of-three.
A post-mortem examination was conducted on her body tonight at Cork University Hospital.
It is understood she suffered head injuries.
Gardaí were called to Ms Smart's home at Bailick Court when they received an emergency call shortly before 10am this morning.
Gardaí found her lying on the sitting room floor of her home.
A doctor was called and she was declared dead and the house was then sealed off.
Her body remained at the scene until the arrival of State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy late this afternoon. Dr Cassidy spent around an hour at the scene.
A forensic examination of the house by members of the Garda Technical Bureau was also conducted.
Ms Smart lived in Midleton for 20 years. She was originally from north Cork.
Her three children are in their 20s and are believed to be living in Britain.
Gardaí said they know she spent last night socialising in Midleton and they are now trying to establish her movements between last night and the discovery of her body this morning.
