Body of boy, 6, found in car and woman arrested at scene in Waterford as post mortem set to take place
GARDAI are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of a six-year-old boy.
The child's body was discovered in a car after midnight near Dunmore East, Co Waterford.
Officers who attended the scene arrested a woman, who is aged in her late 30s and known to the boy.
The boy's body has been removed from the scene as a post mortem is set to take place.
Gardai said the outcome of that examination will determine the course of the investigation.
However, the shocking discovery is being treated as suspicious.
Local Councillor Pat Fitzgerald explained people are stunned at the news.
He told the Irish Sun: "It seems to be an awful tragedy. Our hearts go out to the boy.
"Our deepest condolences to all of the family, it's a dreadful, dreadful incident. It's a terrible tragedy."
A road in the Rathmoylan area near Dunmore East is sealed off by gardai.
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A forensic and technical examination is taking place of the scene.
The arrested woman is being questioned at a garda station in Waterford.
She can be held for up to 24 hours, excluding the time for rest periods.
Medical support is also available for the woman.
SCENE PRESERVED
A garda spokesman said: "Gardaí in Waterford are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the death of a young boy aged 6 whose body was found in a car at Dunmore East, County Waterford shortly after midnight this morning, Friday 9th February, 2024.
"A woman in her late 30s was arrested at the scene and is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in County Waterford.
"The body of the deceased has been removed to Waterford University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
"The scene is preserved for forensic and technical examination.
"The local Coroner and Office of the State Pathologist has been notified.
"The outcome of the post-mortem examination will determine the course of the investigation. Enquiries are ongoing."
CRASH APPEAL
Separately, gardai are investigating after a six-year-old girl was seriously injured in a car crash yesterday.
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The single-car collision happened on the M6 Eastbound in Co Meath at around 4pm.
Anyone with information on the crash is asked to contact gardai.
