Gardaí have launched a murder investigation following the death of a Brazilian woman whose body was discovered at an apartment in Limerick city.

Jady Cristine Pereira Rosa, 33, was found unresponsive at an apartment in the Carlton House complex on Cecil Street at around 7.30am on Friday. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gardaí confirmed on Saturday afternoon that a murder investigation had been launched, with investigators currently ‘following a line of enquiry’.

A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the family of the deceased, while the scene remains preserved and a technical examination is being carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.

A Senior Investigating Officer has also been appointed to lead the investigation, with an incident room established at Henry Street Garda Station.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Henry Street Garda Station on (061) 212400.

It is understood Ms Pereira Rosa was working with a cleaning company in Limerick and had many friends in the area.

The death has prompted an outpouring of grief from members of Limerick’s community, with local councillor Elisa O’Donovan paying tribute to Ms Pereira Rosa.

In a post on Facebook, Cllr O’Donovan described her as a ‘valued and loved member’ of Limerick’s ‘wonderful and diverse’ community.

‘Yesterday she was found dead in our city, a city she called home and should have felt safe and protected in,’ she wrote.

‘I am thinking of all her friends and family today.’

Cllr O’Donovan also said she had placed a tribute at Ms Pereira Rosa’s home on Lower Cecil Street.

‘Her death in her home in our city will not be forgotten,’ she added.

The investigation remains ongoing.