A second man has been arrested in the Ashling Murphy murder investigation, it has emerged.
Gardai said a man in his 30s has been detained in connection with the probe into the killing of the teacher in Tullamore, Co Offaly last week.
He is being questioned in relation to potential withholding of information and is at a garda station in the east of the country.
23-year-old Ashling was buried on Tuesday, one week on from being attacked while out on a jog along the canal in the town.
Meanwhile, another man continues to be quizzed over the case.
The chief suspect, who is in his 30s, had been in St James’s Hospital since admitting himself for treatment with wounds last Thursday.
Specialist investigators from the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation swooped at around 11.30am yesterday after being given the go-ahead by doctors.
DNA has been obtained from the remains of Ashling, after she fought for her life. Forensic evidence was also obtained from the distinctive Falcon Storm bike, which a man was seen on in the town before the murder.
A Garda spokesperson said this morning: "Gardaí investigating the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy that occurred at approximately 4pm on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022, along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly continue to question a male in his 30s who was arrested yesterday, Tuesday 18th January 2022 on suspicion of murder.
"The man's detention at Tullamore Garda Station under the provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 continues this afternoon.
"An Garda Síochána have arrested a second male (30s) in connection with this investigation.
"This male is detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region under the provisions of Section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939 as amended, being questioned in relation to potential withholding of information contrary to The Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998.
"An Garda Síochána has no further comment at this time."
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