Man, 30s, arrested as three people found dead in Louth house

Gardaí at the scene of the incident in Co Louth. Picture: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin

Gardaí have arrested a man at a crime scene in rural Co Louth where three bodies have been discovered.

Garda HQ has confirmed that three people — two men and one woman — were found dead at the property.

It also confirmed a male, aged in his 30s, was being questioned.

It is not clear how the people died, but it is suspected that they were attacked. 

The Irish Examiner understands that no firearms were used. It is not known if any potential weapon or weapons have been identified for examination.

Details of the incident are still emerging.

Gardaí are investigating if it is a domestic incident and are questioning the suspect at the moment.

Sources have said the case is “very raw” and “tragic”.

Inquiries are beginning into the circumstances leading up to the incident and the medical circumstances of the man under arrest.

Gardaí arrived at the scene at around 10am on Monday.  Several units responded, including the armed support unit.

The property is in the townland of Drumgowna, near Tallanstown, on the western side of the county. 

It is not yet clear if the deaths occurred earlier this morning or last night. Gardaí are investigating if the deaths occurred overnight while the victims were sleeping.

The area has been sealed off for a technical examination. The Office of the State Pathologist has been informed and is due to arrive later.

Gardaí have closed a road leading to an isolated property at the scene, and a blue-and-white forensic tent has been set up close to the property.

A preliminary autopsy will be conducted at the scene, before the bodies are removed to hospital for a full autopsy. The results of the autopsy will determine the course of the Garda investigation.

The Garda Technical Bureau is understood to be en route from Dublin. A detailed forensic examination will be conducted inside and outside of the house.

It is understood that gardaí are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. 

One neighbour told the PA news agency it was a “shocking” incident.

Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan said there was no further threat to the public following the “criminal act”.

Mr O’Callaghan said: “I have information, An Garda Síochána 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 gardaí 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.” 

Sinn Féin councillor for Louth County Council Pearse McGeough said on social media that there was “sad news coming out of Tallanstown this morning”.

He added: “I would ask people not to speculate until we know the facts. Our thoughts are with the friends, family and the community.”

• additional reporting from PA