The garda last night was attempting to establish the circumstances of the death of a couple in their 50s after their bodies were discovered in the bedroom of their house in Navan, Co Meath.
The two, understood to be a married couple, were discovered by a friend and neighbour at their four-bedroom Boyne Road home at around 4.45 p.m. She had become concerned about the couple when she had not heard from them or seen them over the past two days.
It is believed the woman had visible injuries, but the nature of the man's injuries, if any, were not immediately known last night. There was blood in the upstairs room where the bodies were discovered. There were two single beds in the room. It is understood both bodies were wearing night wear.
The couple, who had lived in the area for about 12 years, had four children, all of whom are understood to live in the UK. The Garda was attempting to contact members of the family last night.
A garda was stationed outside the house pending the arrival of the technical bureau and the State pathologist. Prof John Harbison was in the area last night, but it was not know whether he, or the assistant State pathologist, Dr Marie Cassidy, would attend the scene.
It is believed the Garda team investigating the deaths is ruling out firearms as a possible cause of the deaths at this stage. The possibility of third-party involvement has not yet been ruled out, although a possible murder and suicide will also be examined.
The woman who found the bodies was in shock under sedation last night, but the Garda hoped to speak to her at some point. A Garda spokesman said the house would be examined for evidence of any item which might have been the cause of injury to the dead woman. Items found in the room will be examined, it is believed.
Boyne Road is an old neighbourhood on the road between Navan and the main Slane road. Most of those living there are older, established families, including professionals and self-employed business people. The houses are mostly large and would be of significant value.
One neighbour said last night that he and his wife were "absolutely shocked" at the discovery.
The dead man had been involved in a local committee opposing the construction of a power plant in the area in recent years. He was not known as a "chatty" person. but had enjoyed a pint with other members of the committee, his neighbour said.