A 52-YEAR-OLD woman and a 51-year-old man have been arrested in connection with the suspicious death of Lillian Scanlon, of Athlone, Co Westmeath, last week.
Mother-of-three Ms Scanlon (48) was found dead in the kitchen of her home in Valley Court in the town.
The man who was arrested can be detained at Longford Garda station for up to three days, while the female in custody can be kept for up to 24 hours and has been questioned at Athlone Garda station.
Both were arrested yesterday at separate addresses in the Willow Park area of Athlone at about 8am.
Earlier this week, detectives investigating the incident said they were hopeful DNA tests may help them solve the case.
Gardaí believe the victim, a house guest, and at least two other people were drinking in the house the night before her body was discovered, and a row broke out.
Gardaí have also examined clothing worn by those in the house and it is understood they will use DNA testing in an attempt to eliminate some people from the inquiry.
A postmortem showed bruising to Ms Scanlon's upper body and officers believe these injuries were inflicted during an assault.
Members of the Garda Technical Bureau have also carried out extensive testing in the house.
Ms Scanlon had been living in Athlone for some time, but was originally from Clara, Co Offaly.
Her death is still being treated as suspicious rather than as murder.
The first gardaí to arrive at the scene sealed off the house.