Three family members found dead in County Louth named locally

Police remain at the scene near Drumgowna

Three people found dead in County Louth, in the Republic of Ireland, have been named by Irish broadcaster RTÉ as Mark and Louise O'Connor, and their son Evan.

The couple, who were in their 50s, and their son - who was in his 20s - were found dead at their home near Drumgowna on Monday morning.

A man in his 30s has been arrested.

Gardaí (Irish police) were called to the scene at about 10:00 local time on Monday. It is understood the family had been violently attacked.

Irish Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan said police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and there was no ongoing threat to the public.

On Monday evening, forensic officers remained at the home, which is located close to the Louth/Monaghan border near the villages of Killanny, Louth village and Tallanstown and is on a rural road.

Gardaí say post-mortem examinations are due to take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda on Tuesday.

School pays tribute to former pupil

Drogheda ABACAS Special School, which Evan attended, paid tribute to its former pupil and his parents.

It said Mr and Mrs O'Connor were "founder parents" of the school and were instrumental in its establishment.

"Both Mark and Louise were passionate advocates for their son Evan and for all autistic people," a statement posted on the school's Facebook page said.

"Many, many families owe them a debt of gratitude.

"They campaigned, lobbied and fundraised for the school and youth clubs and will always be remembered for their legacy to ABACAS and to autistic people."

Evan was one of the first two children to attend ABACAS on day one, the school added, and remained a pupil for 14 years.

"He grew up with us," it said.

"There are so many moments to remember so many stories from school and club we will tell each other especially over the next few weeks."

Community 'stunned'

Earlier, Fianna Fáil councillor John Sheridan said the family was very well-known and respected in the area and there was a "clear sense of grief".

"This is really, really shocking," he said.

"This is a very rural, close-knit community here where everyone knows everyone."

Sheridan said he had met the family a number of times during election campaigning, as well as different sporting and local community events.

Sinn Féin TD Ruairí Ó Murchú said the incident had "absolutely stunned the community all over County Louth".

"The fact that three members of one family seem to have died in dreadful and violent circumstances on a Monday morning in a quiet and rural area of Mid Louth is appalling," he said.

He urged anyone with information to come forward and asked people not to speculate online or on social media.

Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly described the incident as "absolutely shocking".

"My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole community and wider family members and friends," she said.