Investigation underway into Co Mayo fire

An investigation is underway in Co Mayo, after an elderly couple perished in a house fire.

It broke out in the couple's two storey semi-detached home on Chapel Street in Crossmolina at around 9pm last night.

Neighbours heard the screams coming from the house during the 9 o'clock news. They tried to assist the couple but thick black smoke prevented them from entering. It is thought the blaze broke out in the sitting-room of the house.

The bodies of the couple were taken from the scene last night to Mayo General hospital in Castlebar and a post mortem on the bodies will take place later today.

Gardai have preserved the scene of the fire. The names of the couple will not be released until next of kin have been informed.