Teacher brutally killed while jogging

A teacher, 23, has been killed in unprovoked attack by a stranger while jogging along a canal. Police have launched a murder probe.

A young teacher was fatally attacked by a stranger while out on an evening jog.

Ashling Murphy, 23, was violently assaulted along a canal in Cappincur, Tullamore, Co Offaly in Ireland, at around 4pm yesterday.

The talented musician, who works at Durrow National School, was exercising along a well-known route when she was targeted, The Sun reports.

Police believe the suspect — thought to be from outside the area — pounced in an unprovoked and random attack.

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Ashling Murphy was killed while jogging.

The man, aged in his 40s, was arrested after the incident.

It’s understood the attack was witnessed by other walkers.

Officers believe the primary school teacher and her attacker didn’t know each other.

A post-mortem has yet to be carried out on the young woman’s body.

A murder probe has been launched after Ashling’s death.

A source said: “This was a completely random attack on a young woman who was just out for an evening jog.

“It was also a very violent attack and the young woman suffered awful injuries.”

A police family liaison officer has been appointed to Ashling’s family.

Primary school teacher Ashling was a talented musician.

Meanwhile, local councillor Declan Harvey, who uses the canal as his regular exercise route, told the Irish Sun: “Through the pandemic it kept us all sane because it’s somewhere to walk by the canal, it’s so peaceful and pleasant on a nice sunny day like today.

‘Total shock’ as teacher killed

“I don’t know after today’s tragedy how well it will be used how many people will use it, how people will feel on it, I don’t know.

“I would be fearful for my own wife walking down there now on her own.

“I want to offer my condolence to the family, I just can’t get my head around it. For this to happen on a grand, sunny Wednesday evening at four o’clock.

“I’m surprised the place wasn’t packed with people.

“It is heartbreaking both for the family and for the people of Tullamore.

“It’s total shock, all my neighbours from around here are shocked, some of them are very frightened to bring their kids down there for a walk.

“God help the family it’s unbelievable that poor girl went out for a jog and the family had to get this news tonight, it’s heartbreaking.”

The unprovoked attack took place near a canal bank.

Minister Simon Harris also sent his condolences to Ashling’s family last night.

He said: “A young woman, simply out for a run in the afternoon and brutally killed. Thinking of her and her family and community tonight & their unimaginable pain.

“We must all act to end violence against women. We all have a responsibility.”

Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald added: “Horrific. A young woman’s life brutally stolen. In broad daylight. In a busy place.

“A nightmare for a family, friends and community.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission