The son of a woman who died after being stabbed multiple times at her home tried desperately to save her life.
Mother-of-two Jean Eagers was attacked at the house in the Willow Wood Grove estate in Clonsilla, Dublin, about 11.30am on Sunday.
A source told how her son was alerted to the horror attack when he heard screaming coming from the sitting room of the family home.
When he entered the room, he witnessed his mother being attacked but when he tried to intervene it is alleged he was threatened that "you will be next". He then fled and sought help for his mother and emergency services were called to the scene.
Ms Eagers died from her injuries, which are believed to include multiple stab wounds to the chest area.
Sources say the weapons removed from the scene for forensic examination include a samurai sword and a meat cleaver.
Ms Eagers's husband William (60), a taxi driver known as Billy, was arrested at the scene but required medical treatment for self-inflicted stab injuries that delayed the beginning of his questioning period.
He was still in hospital last night under armed guard and was not expected to be released until today at the earliest.
His period of detention and questioning will begin when he is brought back to Blanchardstown garda station. He can be questioned for up to 24 hours before being released or charged.
On Sunday, neighbours described seeing Mr Eagers being taken from the house by gardaí after a dramatic standoff.
He had initially refused to come out when armed gardaí demanded he open the door.
Gardaí had to break a window and use flash grenades to disorient him before they stormed the house.
Yesterday, neighbours and colleagues of Ms Eagers left flowers at the gate of the house.
"My son was in school with Jean's son, and she used to make lunch for them when they would come home on their break.
"Jean was a very kind woman," said Claudia Mar as she left flowers at the scene.
"My husband is a taxi driver, just like Billy.
"Everyone is shocked."
