18/09/2007

Renewed Appeal Over Longford Murder

Gardaí investigating the murder of Sharon Coughlan in Longford have issued a new appeal for information.

The body of Mrs Coughlan, 37, was found in a vacant house in Longford, understood to be just a few doors from her own home, on Saturday night.

She was reportedly found in a downstairs bathroom, which had been locked from the outside, in the property by the owner of the property, who had called to prepare the house for new tenants.

Detectives have said that they believe that Ms Coughlan was murdered in the house and also said that she may have known her killer as there was no sign of a struggle. They also said that forensic evidence and DNA from the house would be crucial to solving her murder.

Mrs Coughlan, who was originally from the UK, had lived in Longford for more than twenty years and worked in the Market Bar. She lived with her partner and two children, aged 10 and five.

On Monday, Gardaí appealed for anyone who saw Ms Coughlan before she died to contact them. When last seen, Ms Coughlan, who is described as 5ft 3ins in height with shoulder length black hair, was wearing a black tracksuit with two white stripes along the legs and sleeves and was carrying a large black shoulder bag.

A helicopter is being used to search the area near where her body was discovered, while CCTV footage is also being examined.

It has also been reported that a number of local people were interviewed by garda on Tuesday morning, but it is understood that no-one has been arrested.

Gardaí also wish to hear from anyone who saw anything unusual in the St Mel's Road and Temple-Michael Terrace area of Longford, near the rear entrance to the Tesco car park, between midday and 10pm on Saturday. Anyone with any information can contact Garda on: 043 50570.

(KMcA)

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