A man arrested in connection with the suspected murder of primary school teacher in Ireland while she was out for an afternoon run has been released and is “no longer a suspect”.
Ashling Murphy, 23, from Tullamore in County Offaly, died after being attacked while running along the canal bank at Cappincur at 4pm on Wednesday.
Police in Ireland have appealed for witnesses. They are asking anyone with information about a “Falcon Storm mountain bike” with “straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks” to come forward.
A spokesperson said: “The male who was arrested and detained by An Garda Siochana investigating this fatal assault has now been released from this detention.
“This male has been eliminated from Garda inquiries and is no longer a suspect.”
The Irish police force has promised to leave “no stone unturned” in bringing Ms Murphy’s killer to justice.
A vigil in memory of Ms Murphy was attended by several hundred in Galway on Thursday night, with many bringing flowers and candles.
A London vigil is planned for Saturday.
Senior Irish politicians promised justice would be delivered for Ms Murphy’s family and condemned violence against women.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the teacher “represented the best of modern Ireland”.
“The entire country is devastated and shocked by the violent and barbaric killing of Ashling Murphy, a young woman in the prime of her life,” he said.
“There is no place in our society for violence, particularly violence against women. It cannot and will not be tolerated.
“The safety and security of women is at the core of our society’s values.”
The family of Ms Murphy have described her as a “special girl” and a “little angel”.
In an interview, her father Raymond said: “She was a great worker, with great drive. A marvellous musician.
“She crammed so much into her short life.”
