A woman who was found dead by the side of the road in Co Kilkenny suffered a violent death, Gardai said today.
Detectives launched a murder enquiry after State Pathologist Marie Cassidy carried out a post mortem last night in Waterford Regional Hospital on the body.
A garda spokeswoman said: "The post mortem results showed the woman suffered a violent death."
A passer-by spotted the body in undergrowth yesterday at around midday a short distance from the road at Breanor Bridge near Pilltown.
It is believed the woman may have been dead for up to a month. Gardai believe the woman is an African national but as of yet they have no identification or age.
The forensics department at garda headquarters in Dublin are currently examining evidence from the scene.
Detectives are carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the area.
Gardai said no one had been reported missing in the area. The full post-mortem results including the actual cause of death were not revealed as the investigation is at an early stage.