A murder investigation has begun after a house fire in Edenderry, Co Offaly last night claimed the lives of a 4-yr-old boy and a woman aged 60.
Another woman in her fifties sustained severe injuries and remains in critical condition in hospital, reports RTE.
Gardaà have stated that the property at Castleview Park in Edenderry was intentionally targeted.
“This was a reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home,” gardaà said, reports RTE.
Officers and emergency crews arrived at the burning home shortly before 7.45pm yesterday.
The blaze was put out by the local fire brigade and two bodies were later taken from the property, reports RTE.
According to gardaÃ, the residence has now been designated a crime scene and is undergoing a technical assessment by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The local coroner’s office along with the State Pathologist have both been informed, reports RTE.
The bodies of the child and the woman have been transported from the location.
Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to take place this afternoon at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, reports RTE.
The murder probe is being overseen from an incident room established at Tullamore Garda Station.
A Family Liaison Officer has been assigned to support the families involved, reports RTE.
Gardaà are urging anyone who may have relevant information to contact them.
They are particularly seeking to speak with anyone who was near Castleview Park or surrounding roads between 7pm and 8pm yesterday, reports RTE.
They also hope to hear from drivers who were in the same area during that period and who might have dashcam footage or images.
The investigation team can be reached at the Tullamore Garda Station incident room on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any garda station, especially Edenderry Garda Station, reports RTE.
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