LAST UPDATE | 8 Feb 2021

GARDAÍ INVESTIGATING THE deaths of a man and woman who were discovered at their home in Cavan are following a definite line of inquiry.

The remains of a man and a woman, both aged in their 40s, were found at a house in Coverhill near Belturbet last night.

The couple, who were in their 40s and originally from Lithuania, were discovered by a family member.

Gardaí have so far found no evidence of forced entry and the couple did not appear to suffer any injuries. There was no evidence of any fight or struggle, security sources said.

Officers will now check to see if there might have been a gas leak at the premises.

However, currently, one line investigation is the possibility that accidental poisoning might have contributed to their deaths.

The results of the post-mortem will confirm the course of the garda investigation.

Gardaí were alerted to the incident after the couple had not been seen in the area for a number of days.

Local independent councillor Brendan Fay told the PA news agency he believes the pair are a foreign couple who have been living in the area for a number of years.

He said: “It’s an awful tragedy. The whole community is in shock, especially the neighbours.

“Anyone I’ve spoken to this morning is just stunned by it. It’s a small rural community here in Belturbet and out hearts just go out to everyone involved.”

Local gardaí are at the scene and a removal is expected to take place in the coming hours.

Forensic Gardaí dressed in hazmat suits were pictured carrying out work at the house early this morning.

Post-mortem examinations are scheduled for later today.

With reporting by Garreth MacNamee