A MAN suspected of pushing a granny down the stairs — leading to her death two days later — has been arrested.
Stella Nnadi, 82, initially survived the plunge at her home in Carrigaline, Co Cork, on Sunday evening.
Her daughter was previously assaulted in the house’s kitchen — with the woman running to neighbours for help.
When she returned, she found her mother in a disorientated state.
Ms Nnadi was able to tell her daughter that she had been allegedly pushed or dragged down the stairs and had suffered head and other injuries.
Gardai were called and a 37-year-old man was taken to Cork University Hospital for a psych evaluation under mental health legislation. He was later discharged.
Ms Nnadi, who is originally from Nigeria, did not seek immediate medical attention on Sunday.
However, on Monday she was showing symptoms of being confused.
She was brought to CUH yesterday morning where a full examination was carried out and a number of scans, including brain scans, were done.
But as she was being treated for a suspected bleed on the brain, the OAP died as a result of head injuries.
Gardai then launched a full probe, believing her death to be suspicious.
Officers are focusing on the possibility she fell down the stairs after being attacked.
Detectives arrested a man in his 30s, who was known to Ms Nnadi. He is today being quizzed by cops.
The suspect is currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Southern Region.
The services of the State Pathologist have been requested and a full autopsy is expected to take place today. The Coroners office has also been notified.
LOCALS SHOCKED
Gardai say the results of that examination will determine the course they will follow in their investigation.
A garda spokesperson said: “The scene at a residence in Carrigaline has been preserved for technical and forensic examination by the local scenes of crime officers.
“The Office of the State Pathologist and local Coroner have been notified. A post-mortem examination will has be arranged for tomorrow.
“A Senior Investigating Officer has been appointed to lead the investigation and a Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to provide support and information to the deceased’s family.”
Ms Nnadi had been living in Ireland for a decade.
She was well liked in Carrigaline, with locals shocked by her death.
