Murder investigation launched after two people die in County Offaly house fire

A four-year-old boy is among the deceased.

An Garda Síochána attended the scene of the the fatal fire at a domestic residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry, Co Offaly, yesterday evening, December 6.

The fire was extinguished and the remains of a 60-year-old woman and a 4-year-old boy were discovered.

A woman, aged in her 50s, was transported from the scene by the National Ambulance Service and is being treated for serious injuries.

In a statement, Gardaí commented: "The house has been declared a crime scene and is currently subject to technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.

"The office of the Local Coroner and the State Pathologist have been notified.

"The remains of both deceased have been removed from the scene and post mortems will be carried out by the Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolster at the Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore, commencing this afternoon."

They continued: "An Garda Síochána believes that the house was attacked by a person or persons unknown at this time, and that the fire was deliberately started. This was a reckless, callous and murderous attack on a family home."

Gardaí in Offaly are appealing for any person with any information on this fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardaí.

They wish to speak with anyone who was in the vicinity of Castleview Park, or adjoining roads between 7 and 8pm, or anyone who was driving in the vicinity around the same time.

The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.