Gardaí in Mayo have begun a murder inquiry after the body of a woman was found in the Westport area.

The woman's body was found in a house in Kilbree, a short distance from the town.

The dead woman was in her early 40s.

Gardaí became aware of the incident at around 10am.

A man in his 40s was arrested a short time later in the area.

He is being detained at Castlebar Garda Station.

The victim's body remains at the scene, which has been sealed off pending an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The State Pathologist will carry out a post-mortem examination tomorrow. 

Gardaí have issued an appeal and anyone with information is asked to contact Castlebar Garda Station on 094-9038200 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.