A man in his 20s has been arrested after a woman died and a man was seriously injured in a stabbing incident in Ballinlough, in Cork, on Monday night.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to Shrewsbury Downs at around 9.15pm following reports from neighbours of an incident outside a residence.
Members of the Armed Support Unit also responded to the scene.
A large green area near the home is also cordoned off. Picture: Larry Cummins
The woman, aged 59, and a man, 63, were taken to Cork University Hospital with critical injuries.
The woman was later pronounced dead, while the man remains in a serious but stable condition having undergone emergency surgery
The couple were involved in business, and the injured man held a number of directorships.
Two red brick houses and the green area at Shrewsbury Downs remain cordoned off this morning for a technical examination.
A cornered off green area at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork, at the scene of a double stabbing which left a woman dead and her husband injured. Picture: Dan Linehan
A man in his 20s, who is known to the couple, was arrested at the scene and is being held at a Cork City garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984.
It is understood that gardaí need to ascertain whether the man is medically fit to be questioned at this time and he was scheduled to be seen by a doctor on Monday evening.
Two members of An Garda Síochána were carrying out door to door inquiries shortly before 10am today.
The scene has been preserved for forensic examination by the Cork City Divisional Scenes of Crime Unit. Gardaí said the Office of the State Pathologist has been notified and an autopsy will be arranged.
A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed, and an incident room has been established at Anglesea Street Garda Station.
A Family Liaison Officer has also been assigned to support the relatives of the deceased.
Garda members at Shrewsbury Downs, Ballinlough, Cork, at the scene of a double stabbing which left a woman dead and her husband injured. Picture: Dan Linehan
In an interview with Newstalk Taoiseach Michael Martin described the death of a 59 year old woman in a stabbing incident as “very, very sad news for the neighbourhood.”
“And I live in that neighbourhood. This is totally unexpected and I can only think of the family and friends of the family who have been impacted by this awful incident.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who was in the Shrewsbury Downs area between 8.30pm and 9.30pm on Monday and who may have home security or dash-cam footage.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Anglesea Street Garda Station on 021 452 2000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
