GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING the death of a woman in her midlands home early yesterday morning say they will not know if she was murdered until the results of a postmortem become available.
The victim was assaulted some time before she died, but it was not clear last night if the assault was the cause of death.
She has not been named by gardaí, but was named locally as Lillie Scanlon, a mother of two in her late 40s, originally from Co Offaly.
Ms Scanlon was found lying on her back in the kitchen of her home in Athlone, Co Westmeath, at around 10am. She had bruising to her upper body. Blood was found under her remains, and a mop was found close by.
She was dressed in night attire when found. Her pyjama bottoms were partially off but gardaí do not believe she was sexually assaulted.
Ms Scanlon was with at least three other people in her house in Valley Court, Athlone, enjoying a drink on Thursday night and into yesterday morning.
Gardaí believe there was an altercation at some time during the night. However, what unfolded after that is unknown.
The dead woman's remains were discovered yesterday morning at around 10am by a woman known to Ms Scanlon who had stayed in the house overnight.
The house guest has told gardaí that she thought the victim was asleep on the floor and put a blanket over her. It was only when she tried to wake her that she realised she was dead. She called the emergency services.
The first gardaí to arrive at the scene noticed the deceased's blood under her body and immediately sealed off the house.
The Garda Technical Bureau arrived at the house during the early afternoon and carried out tests throughout the day.
State Pathologist Prof Marie Cassidy arrived at about 4pm, and carried out a preliminary examination of the remains.
Ms Scanlon's body was then removed to Mullingar general hospital for a full postmortem. The results of that examination were expected to be known late last night.
Gardaí have contacted the dead woman's family. The dead woman's house guest has been spoken to and the other two people who were in the house drinking have also been contacted.
Gardaí are hopeful they will be able to assist in the inquiry.
Cllr Paul Hogan (SF), the mayor of Athlone, said the local community had been struck by "numbness and sadness".
"I live quite close by where this woman's body was found, and everyone is in deep shock to think that something like this could happen. Our sympathies go out to the families, neighbours and friends of the deceased woman.
"This is a terrible time for them, and a terrible thing to happen in the town of Athlone."