Gardaí in Galway are carrying out a murder investigation following the violent death of a mother of two in Clifden.
Masuma Sohrabi's body was discovered near an IPAS accommodation centre by Waterloo Bridge, on the outskirts of the village, shortly before 9am yesterday morning.
Ms Sohrabi, who was in her 30s and known locally as Atijafari, had been attacked and sustained fatal slash and stab wounds.
A man in his 30s arrested as part of the murder investigation is still receiving medical treatment and detectives are waiting to interview him.
Ms Sohrabi was the mother of two young children who attend Scoil Mhuire primary school in Clifden.
She came to Ireland from Iran in 2024 and lived at Waterloo House IPAS centre.
Residents of the centre, who reported her missing on Wednesday night, said that she was loved by everyone and they were devastated to learn of her death.
A post-mortem examination on Ms Sohrabi's body is due to take place today.
Locals visited the scene to lay floral tributes and candles.
Linda Schirmer said: "I don't really know Atija but I taught both her children dance under a Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board programme (GRETB) and it's so heartbreaking to see them lose their mother in this way. I came to lay some flowers and light a candle in her memory."
'It's devastating' - locals hold vigil at scene in Clifden
Seán and Mairéad Heanue from Clifden went to the scene to pay their respects.
"Oh, this is very sad. It's devastating really," said Mr Heanue.
Ms Heanue said: "It's just to say that people of Clifden are thinking of them, and we wanted to bring flowers. I'm just thinking of the two children left behind."
Gardaí say they are following a definite line of inquiry and are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident.
They also said a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
Anyone in the Clifden area - in particular, Galway Road - between 2pm on Wednesday 27 May and 9am on Thursday 28 May, who may have noticed anything suspicious, is asked to come forward.
Road users and those with camera footage, (including home security and dash-cam), in the area at the time, are asked to make it available to gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Clifden Garda Station on 095 22500, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
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