Man held over horror samurai sword murder as post mortem expected

A 60-year-old man remains in custody over the death of a mum-of-two as a post mortem is expected to take place today.

Jean Eagers, 57, from Dublin, was stabbed to death with a samurai sword in the horrific incident at her home in Blanchardstown.

Gardai and paramedics were called to Willow Wood in Hartstown at around 11.30am after being alerted to the grizzly attack.

Officers from the Armed Support Unit are said to have used force to enter the house.

Gardai remove the body of a woman from the scene at Willow Wood, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (Stephen Collins/Collins)

Gardai seized a number of weapons, including a samurai sword and a meat cleaver, which are believed to have been used in the fatal attack.

A source also told the Irish Mirror that Jean’s son Dillion, who is in his early 20s, partially witnessed the attack and rushed to the neighbours for help before gardai arrived to the scene.

A number of locals said they heard loud bangs coming from the area as gardai arrived on the scene and initially thought they may have been gunshots.

Shouts were also heard from the house as gardai subdued the attacker before arresting the man.

A 60-year-old man was arrested and is being detained at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

Gardai at Blanchardstown have begun a murder investigation.

Gardai at the scene of a fatal assault at a house in Willow Wood, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (Stephen Collins/ Collins Photos)

Gardai at the scene of a fatal assault at a house in Willow Wood, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 (Stephen Collins/Collins)

Stunned locals lined the streets of the housing estate and spoke of their shock of the horrific killing that has shook their community.

Jean's body remained at the scene for a number of hours before she was removed for a technical examination.

One neighbour said: “It’s not something you would expect here. It’s normally a very quiet street”.

Another said it was “surreal” and “crazy” that such a crime could happen on their road.

While one woman who knew her described Jean as a “witty” woman.

Jean worked in the local Marks and Spencers store in Blanchardstown Shopping Centre and had been off for the last few days.

A colleague who did not want to be named said Jean had last been in work on Tuesday and was looking forward to getting her hair done after going months without seeing a hairdresser due to the coronavirus lockdown.

It’s understood her sister-in-law also works at the same store.