A couple and their son have been found dead after reportedly being stabbed at their isolated cottage in rural Ireland.
One man had been arrested after police were alerted to the deaths in Tallanstown, Co. Louth on Monday morning.
The victims were named locally as Mark and Louise O’Connor, in their 50s, and their son Evan, who was in his 20s and had special needs.
Police have sealed off the windy road leading up to their country stone cottage.
Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was no further threat to the public following the ‘criminal act’.
In a statement gardai said officers responded to a call to attend a residential property shortly before 10am on Monday.
‘Three people – two males and one female (all adults) – were found deceased at the scene,’ they said.
‘The scene has been preserved for technical examination.
‘The offices of the coroner and the state pathologist have been notified.
‘A male, aged in his 30s, has been arrested and is currently detained at a station in the Garda North West Region under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.’
(Picture: Peter Morrison/PA Wire)
On Monday evening, gardai said the scene was the subject of an ongoing forensic examination.
They also said the remains of the deceased had been removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where post-mortem examinations will be carried out on Tuesday.
A blue and white forensic tent could be seen set up close to the property.
One neighbour said it was a ‘shocking’ incident.
Mr O’Callaghan said: ‘I have information, An Garda Siochana have passed on information that I have received to the office.
‘I am conscious that it is a developing story and it is a sensitive issue but there is no further information I can put into the public domain at present.
‘I think further information will become available in due course.’
He added: ‘What I can say and what gardai have said is that they are not looking for anyone else in respect of this criminal act.
‘There is no ongoing threat to the public in Co Louth.’
Speaking to PA at the scene, Sinn Fein TD Ruairi O Murchu said there was ‘shock’ and ‘disbelief’ around the area.
‘There are no words – this is beyond shocking. We’re talking three within the one family that are dead.’
Mr O Murchu said neighbours were ‘taken aback’, adding: ‘My heart goes out to the family and the wider community.’
He said: ‘This is absolutely rural mid-Louth, nobody was expecting what we heard today.’
He appealed for members of the public to provide assistance to gardai if they can and discouraged people from participating in speculation.
Also at the scene, Fianna Fail councillor John Sheridan said the family involved was ‘well known and respected’ in the area.
‘They were very much seen a lot, that’s probably what makes this all the more shocking.’
Mr Sheridan said the area was close and very typical for a ‘remote and rural area’.
He warned that while the news was shocking, there was some unhelpful speculation around the incident.
Fine Gael councillor Rachel Kerley told PA: ‘This morning there was complete and utter devastation as the news filtered through – people were shocked and so concerned.’
She added: ‘Now thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased and, of course, the wider community.’
Ms Kerley said the news was ‘devastating’ for those will live in the ‘quiet, peaceful, lovely area’.
