Waterford Death Probe Man Freed

Gardaí in Waterford have released a man without charge after he was questioned in connection with the death of a woman in the city over the weekend.

The 35-year-old woman was found at the Cousebridge roundabout on the outskirts of Waterford city in the early hours of Sunday morning. She had suffered head injuries and died later in hospital.

The Gardai believe that the Lithuanian woman was pushed or more likely jumped from a moving car.

According to the Irish Times the woman was found by chance by Gardaí who were patrolling in Waterford city after receiving a report of dangerous driving.

The woman was last night named locally in Waterford as Zana Alen, with an address on Tramore Road.

Gardaí believe the arrested man and Ms Alen were travelling in a car together on Saturday night close to where she was found injured. They believe Ms Alen either fell or was pushed from the car as it was travelling at speed.

A number of witnesses observed the incident and said that it looked like the deceased had jumped from the car. A post-mortem has revealed she died of head injuries but has also shown she was not assaulted. Her injuries were consistent with hitting the road at speed.

The Garda investigation has not been upgraded to a murder inquiry and it is still being treated as a suspicious death.

The 29-year-old man who was detained in connection with the incident was released without charge. It is believed that the two were drinking earlier in the day and got into a row.

It is understood that the Gardai had only arrived at the scene a matter of minutes when the man arrived and explained who he was.

Gardai are appealling for witnesses who may have seen suspicious or unusual activity in and around the Cousebridge roundabout or on the approach roads leading to Cousebridge roundabout between 11.30pm on the 3rd and 12.10am on the 4th September 2011 to contact them in Waterford on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

(LB/CD)