Kerry deaths investigation upgraded to murder probe

Gardai have formally upgraded their investigation into the deaths of a mother and daughter in Killorglin, Co. Kerry to murder.

The bodies of Lithuanian national Jolanta Lubien, 27, and her eight-year-old daughter Enrica Lubyte were found at their house in Langford Downs on Sunday night. The pair had suffered violent deaths.

Details of the post mortem examinations, which were completed earlier at Kerry General Hospital, are not being released by gardaí at this point.

Up to 50 national and local gardaí are investigating the double murder and a full incident room has been set up at Killarney Garda station.

Ms Lubien was last seen alive on Saturday afternoon at around 1.50pm, making her way home on foot after shopping in Killorglin.

Superintendent Flor Murphy told Radio Kerry, that gardaí are investigating all of the circumstances of the deaths at this point.

"Our forensic experts are still at the scene," Supt Murphy said.

"This was an horrific crime," he added, appealing for anyone with information to come forward to gardaí.