A murder hunt's underway following the death of 78 year old Rose Hanrahan in Limerick.

The pensioner's body was found at her home on New Road in Thomondgate on Friday afternoon.

Gardai have set up an incident room at Mayorstone Park Garda Station, and Superintendent Derek Smart is appealing for witnesses:

Gardai upgraded the investigation to murder yesterday after the post mortem was completed.

Members of the force are conducting house to house inquiries.

They're also appealing to people to check on their elderly neighbours and say people can contact them if they've any concerns.