11 hours ago
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RTÉ
Gardaí say the fire occurred at a house in Edenderry
Gardaí (Irish police) have launched a murder investigation after a four-year-old boy and a 60-year-old woman died in a fire in County Offaly.
The fire occurred at a house in Castleview Park, Edenderry, at 19:45 local time on Saturday.
A second woman, in her 50s, is in hospital with serious injuries.
Gardaí said they believe the fire was "deliberately started" and that the "house was attacked by a person or persons unknown".
RTÉ
The house has been declared a crime scene and is being examined by the Garda Technical Bureau
"This was a reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home," police said in a statement.
The house has been declared a crime scene and is being examined by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The office of the local coroner and the state pathologist have been notified.
Gardaí said the remains of both deceased have been removed from the scene and post-mortem examinations will begin on Sunday afternoon.
Police appealed for anyone with information or who has dash-cam footage who was in the vicinity of Castleview Park or adjoining roads between 19:00 and 20:00 local time on Saturday to contact them.
'Heartbreaking and devastating'
In a post on social media, Independent TD Carol Nolan said it was "very sad news" that people have lost their lives.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and the community of Edenderry," she said.
"This is truly heartbreaking and devastating news."
