Tullamore Gardaí describe man and ask public if they saw him

Gardai investigating the fatal assault on Ashling Murphy are asking people if they saw a man on Wednesday after 4pm who was "dressed in black tracksuit top (no hood), black tracksuit bottoms with a large white stripe or white writing on the side and black runners."

They are further asking if anyone give a lift to the man on the evening of January 12, or if they noticed this man loitering at any location or involved in any activity which drew attention.

An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to any person who has not made contact with the investigation team and who has any information on this fatal assault to come forward.

The scene of the fatal assault occurred on the Grand Canal Way between Boland’s Lough and Digby’s bridge in Tullamore. This location continues to be examined and remains sealed off as a crime scene.

An Garda Síochána is now asking for any member of the public who was on the Grand Canal Way on the morning or afternoon of the January 12 between Digby’s bridge and Ballycommon to contact the investigation team. Whether you think you saw anything or not please contact Gardaí in Tullamore.

Gardaí continue to appeal to any person in the general Tullamore area on January 12 with any form of video footage (Dashcam, CCTV, Mobile phone, GoPro Cam etc..), to contact them.

An Garda Síochána has also renewed its appeal for any information on a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/ green front forks prior to 4pm on Wednesday and in the previous days/ weeks.

Gardai say significant progress continues to be made in the investigation to date. An Garda Síochána is not confirming any specific details for operational reasons.

In the statement, Gardai acknowledge the ongoing support of the public to date in this investigation and re-iterate that a dedicated phone line 057 9357060 has been established at Tullamore Garda station in order to assist the public in providing information to the investigation team.

Gardai said they are concerned about the activity of people sharing information on social media, and in particular private messaging apps. They appealed to people to stop sharing these messages.

"Not only are they misinformed, inaccurate and dangerous, they are unhelpful to the criminal investigation. If you have information, which is relevant to this criminal investigation you should contact the investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station with this information," Gardai said.

The investigation team at Tullamore Garda Station can be contacted on 057 9357060, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.