Gardaí in Sligo are questioning a man in his 20s in connection with the murders of two men in the town.
Michael Snee and Aidan Moffitt met violent deaths in their homes in recent days.
The body of 58-year-old Mr Snee was removed from his terraced home in the City View estate this afternoon.
It was taken to Sligo University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
Mr Snee, who was born and bred in Sligo, was found in his house yesterday evening. He had sustained what gardaí described as significant physical injuries.
Neighbours in the quiet cul de sac, off Connaughton Road, spoke of a well-known and well-regarded person.
His death followed the murder of 41-year-old Mr Moffitt, who was attacked in his home in Cartron Heights in the town earlier this week.
The mutilated body of the Roscommon-born businessman was found on Monday evening.
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Gardaí investigate homophobic element to Sligo murders
Shock and sadness in Sligo following murder of two men
At a press briefing this morning, gardaí said that the two men had been "assaulted and murdered in their own homes".
Garda Superintendent Aidan Glacken said: "Michael and Aidan were well known and respected in this community.
"They were assaulted and murdered in their own homes. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families at this time and indeed their friends and the wider community in Sligo."
Gardaí are investigating if there is any hate-related motive and also whether the victims had met their attacker online.
"Meeting people online should be a safe activity. But as with any online activity, everybody should be aware of personal safety advice," Mr Glacken said.
Gardaí say they are keeping an open mind on both investigations, but have specific lines of inquiry.
In particular, they are trying to establish if the men met their attacker online. The possibility that the murders may have been hate-motivated crimes is also being examined.
It has been confirmed that a separate attack on another man in Sligo may be linked to the investigation. In that incident, a man sustained serious facial injuries.
Garda Supt Glacken added: "I am appealing to any person who may have been subject of any unwanted approaches or who was assaulted or otherwise attacked to contact the incident room at Sligo Garda Station.
"I have a dedicated diversity team here, we need to hear from you, we are here to listen to you and we are here to support you."
Meanwhile, a man living locally was detained following an early morning raid on a house in an estate a short distance from the town centre.
Gardaí say the arrest was one of a number of operations carried out involving local officers and members of the Garda Armed Support Unit. The man is being questioned at Sligo Garda Station.
Technical examinations at both crime scenes have been continuing through the day.
Detectives have appealed to anyone with information on either killing to come forward.
They are also keen to speak to anyone who may have been assaulted or the subject of what they describe as "unwelcome approaches" in Sligo over recent days.
They have reiterated advice to those using online dating websites or apps to exercise caution in their interactions with people who they do not know.
Gardaí say people should always share their plans with a trusted friend, be careful about consuming food or drink offered to them and to alert others about their intended locations for any meetings.
Minister condemns 'atrocious crimes'
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee described the murders as atrocious crimes.
She said she had spoken to the Garda Commissioner, who has assured her that every effort is being made to ensure whoever is responsible is brought to justice.
Ms McEntee also said it has been a difficult week for the LGBT community after a number of incidents. She said these are incidents that "we thought were behind us".
The minister said she wanted to reassure people that any crimes motivated by hate or prejudice will not be tolerated and will carry higher sentences.
She added that she hoped to introduce the Hate Crime Bill into the Dáil in "a matter of weeks".
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he was shocked following the two deaths in Sligo and urged anyone with information to go to gardaí.
