Man detained in Cork fire probe released

Gardaí have released without charge the man who was arrested following a fatal fire in Cork.

25 year-old Helena O'Dwyer and her 5 year-old nephew Ryan died after flames engulfed the house where they were sleeping.

The 22 year-old man was detained in Cork city centre yesterday lunchtime, and questioned throughout yesterday and today about the fatal fire by detectives at the Bridewell Garda Station.

This evening, the man was released without charge.

Helena and Ryan O'Dwyer had been asleep in the house on Nutley Avenue in Mahon early yesterday with six other members of their family when the fire broke out.

The other occupants of the house including Ms O'Dwyer's daughter managed to escape.

However, the young mother and her nephew were pronounced dead despite the efforts of fire crews and paramedics.

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the cause of the blaze they've been examining CCTV from the area, and are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the early hours of Sunday morning to come forward.