GARDAÍ HAVE ISSUED a fresh appeal for information over a fire attack on a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly that killed four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt. 

Tadgh was visiting his grandmother and his 60-year-old grand-aunt at the home at Castleview Park when the attack happened shortly before 7.45pm on 6 December.

His remains and those of Mary Holt were discovered in the front room of the house. 

Gardaí today said that Tadgh’s grandmother is continuing to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries. 

The investigation into the murder of Tadhg Farrell and Mary Holt is being led by the Serious Crime Unit of Laois/Offaly Garda Division, and coordinated from an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station under the direction of a senior investigating officer. 

Gardaí at the scene of the fire in Edenderry on 8 December. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

The investigation is being supported “by all necessary resources” from Laois/Offaly Garda Division, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (GNBCI), the Garda Síochána Analysis Service and other national units.

Gardaí acknowledged the support shown to them by the local community in Edenderry and the wider area. 

They are continuing to liaise with and support the families of Tadgh and Mary through family liaison officers.

“Tadhg and Mary should be looking forward to and preparing to celebrate Christmas with their loved ones,” a spokesperson said. 

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Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan of Laois/Offaly Garda Division said: 

An Garda Síochána is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadgh and Mary and bring them before the courts.

“As Christmas approaches, I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent, fatal incident to speak with investigating gardaí,” Lonergan said. 

The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.