The Gardaí have said that they are making "significant progress" with their investigation.

A "person of interest" has been identified by Gardaí investigating the murder of Ashling Murphy. RTÉ reports that authorities are waiting to speak with a man who is currently in hospital. They have said that they are making "significant progress" with their investigation. 23-year-old Ashling Murphy was murdered on Wednesday along the Grand Canal in Tullamore. The primary school teacher was out for a jog when she was attacked. Yesterday, Gardaí released a man who had been previously arrested in connection with Ashling's murder. They have since said that he is "no longer a suspect". In a statment, they said: "The male who was arrested and detained by An Garda Síochána investigating this fatal assault has now been released from this detention. "This male has been eliminated from Garda enquiries and is no longer a suspect. "An Garda Síochána continue to investigate this fatal assault that occurred at approximately 4pm on Wednesday, 12th January, 2022, along the canal bank at Cappincur, Tullamore, County Offaly." Authorities continue to appeal to the public to come forward if they have information surrounding a bike that is connected with the murder. The bike in question that Gardaí are appealing for information around is a Falcon Storm mountain bike with straight handlebars and distinctive yellow/green front forks. Gardaí also continue to appeal to any persons that were in the Cappincur/Canal walk area of Tullamore, County Offaly before 4pm on Wednesday to make contact with them. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.