LAST UPDATE | 28 May
A MAN HAS been arrested following the fatal attack of a woman in Clifden, Co Galway.
The woman has been named locally as Masuma Sohrabi, aged in her 30s.
It is understood that the incident happened this morning and that Masuma died of severe neck injuries.
Gardaí and the ambulance service were called to the scene, but she was later pronounced dead.
The man has been detained by gardaí and can be questioned for a maximum of 24 hours.
Masuma was found in the grounds of a hotel, Waterloo House on the outskirts of Clifden, which is currently being used as an IPAS centre.
It’s understood she worked at a separate hotel in the town.
The Journal has learned that she may have laid undiscovered for some time. There are also enquiries being made to determine if she had been reported missing from her emergency accommodation sometime in the hours before her death.
Masuma had children attending school locally, and in a statement today Scoil Mhuire in Clifden paid tribute to the deceased and her family.
The school said the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) was onsite today supporting pupils and staff.
“We are writing to our school community at an incredibly sad and difficult time,” the school said.
“We have become aware of the sudden and tragic passing of a member of our school family. Our hearts go out to her children, her family, and all those who loved her.”
The school added that it will reopen as normal on Tuesday.
“We will be there to support every child upon their return.”
A garda statement earlier today said:
“This morning Gardaí attended an emergency residential premises. The body of an adult female (aged in her 30s) was discovered at a nearby location.
“An adult male (aged in his 30s) was arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 and is currently receiving medical treatment.
“An Garda Síochána is not looking for any other person in relation to this incident at this time and is following a definite line of enquiry.
“The scene has been preserved for an examination by the Garda Technical Bureau,” the statement said.
The garda spokesman said Masuma’s remains are still at the scene and that the State Pathologist will carry out a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
It is understood that both the suspect and Masuma were known to each other and were not originally from Ireland.
Both had been availing of IPAS accommodation, but the man had been staying at a different centre to the woman.