A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman at an apartment in Dublin this morning.

The woman, aged in her 40s, was found unresponsive at the apartment at Royal Canal Park in Ashtown shortly after 10am.

She was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later and it is understood she suffered a violent death.

Flowers left at the scene at Royal Canal Park in Ashtown, Dublin, 13-01-2023. Image: Barry Whyte/Newstalk

Earlier today, Gardai detained a man under the Mental Health Act and said they were not looking for anyone else in relation to the investigation.

This evening, a Garda spokesman said a man in his 50s had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

He is currently being held at Finglas Garda Station.

Shock

Tania Murphy, a neighbour of the woman who died, told Newstalk she can't believe what happened.

“I feel absolutely sick,” she said. “To know that it happened right on my doorstep and to such a harmless woman – she wouldn’t hurt a fly.

“To know that she couldn’t defend herself – It’s heartbreaking.

“The kids, they’ll never be able to play out on road again. I don’t feel safe letting my kids out on the road.”

She said her children have been asking what happened.

“They are asking all the time what’s happening, with the police everywhere,” said one.

“You are trying to keep them safe and obviously not worry but you know, when they see the police, they are afraid, honestly.”

"Heartbreaking"

Another neighbour, Nicole, said the area is normally very quiet.

“Nothing goes on around here like that,” she said.

“It is a quiet neighbourhood. Like, I’m here six and half years and never in my life have I seen anything like it.

“It’s horrible. It’s shocking. It’s heartbreaking.”

The Garda forensic team at the scene at Royal Canal Park in Ashtown, Dublin, 13-01-2023. Image: Barry Whyte/Newstalk

The apartment remains sealed off as investigators carry out forensic and technical examinations of the scene.

The woman’s body has been removed to the City Morgue at Whitehall and a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone with any information to contact them.

The investigation is continuing.

With reporting from Barry Whyte.