LAST UPDATE | 23 Dec 2021

GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED an investigation into a suspected murder-suicide following the discovery of two bodies at a house in Letterkenny, Co Donegal today.

It is believed that the men, aged in their 80s and 50s, were father and son. 

Gardaí were called to the scene after a call from a local person and officers discovered the older man in the house while the younger man was found sitting in a car in a nearby out house. 

Gardaí have preserved the scene at Windyhall and are awaiting the services of the State Pathologist and technical bureau.

Letterkenny councillor Gerry McMonagle, who lives close to the scene, said local people were stunned.

“I was down at the local shops this evening and I was talking to a number of people and everybody is obviously saddened and shocked that something like this could happen,” said the Sinn Fein representative.

“I think happening two days before Christmas makes it all the more shocking and sad.

“It’s tragic that two days before Christmas two family members are dead and the gardai aren’t looking for anyone else.

“People are numbed by this.

“Obviously they are thinking about the remaining family and what they are going through at this time.”

Mayor of Letterkenny and Milford Municipal District councillor Jimmy Kavanagh said the community was in shock.

“It’s absolutely shocking news and an awful tragedy,” said the Fine Gael representative.

“This community is absolutely shocked to hear this and our heart goes out to those affected by this.

“It heightens the sadness of it that we’re in the season of Christmas and it’s just an awful tragedy.”

With reporting from Niall O’Connor and Press Association.