Gardaí are continuing to question a 50-year-old woman in connection with the death of a pensioner in Co. Wexford at the weekend.

The body of 81-year-old Walter Plunkett was found at his home in Ballyedmond on Sunday evening.

Following a post mortem examination on his remains Gardaí last night upgraded their investigation to murder.

The post mortem carried out at Waterford Regional Hospital yesterday revealed that pensioner Walter Plunkett died from asphyxia.

His body was found in the front garden of his house early on Sunday evening.

He was last seen alive shopping at a service station near his home on Saturday afternoon

A 50-year-old woman who was known to him was detained by Gardaí for questioning at Enniscorthy Garda Station.

It is understood the woman has received medical treatment.

She remains in garda custody in Wexford.