Murder inquiry launched by gardaí investigating Offaly fire that killed boy (4) and woman

A murder inquiry has been launched by gardaí investigating a fire in Co Offaly that killed a four-year-old boy and a woman in her 60s.

Another woman (50s) is receiving hospital treatment for serious injuries following the fire that broke out on Saturday evening.

“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,” Garda headquarters said in a statement on Sunday afternoon.

Gardaí said the house in Edenderry has been declared a crime scene and it is being examined by the Garda Technical Bureau.

The local coroner and State Pathologist have been called, gardaí said. The remains of deceased have been removed from the scene and a postmortem is due to be carried out by Assistant State Pathologist Margot Bolst this afternoon.

The fire broke out at about 7.45pm at the residence in Castleview Park, Edenderry. Though the emergency services brought the fire under control, they could not save the two victims.

Gardaí in Offaly are appealing for anyone with information to speak to them.