Gardai are expected to open a murder investigation today, following the discovery of the bodies of two elderly brothers earlier this morning, on a farm outside Mitchelstown.
An appeal was initially issued by gardai for help in locating a red Toyota Corolla van, registration 03-WW-1556 – subsequently, this was located. Gardai thank the public for their assistance.
The alarm was raised around midnight, following a call to gardai by a concerned member of the public.
Responding to the incident, gardai made their way to a farm, located in the townland of Curraghorm, between Mitchelstown and Kildorrery.
The support of the Armed Support Unit was requested, as gardai believed one or more of the men may have been armed – units from Limerick and Cork attended the scene and a cordon of the area was subsequently established.
BODIES REMAIN AT SCENE
Gardai discovered the body of an elderly male in open land, understood to be in his 60s. Further searches then led to the discovery of the body of a second man some time later – his brother – understood to have been located in a barn.
The bodies remain at the scene and the services of the State Pathologist’s Office will be sought, which will determine the course of the investigation.
Anyone with information can contact 999 or their local Garda station.
A garda spokesperson confirmed this morning:
“Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at a domestic premises outside of Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, following the discovery of the bodies of two elderly men.
“Any members of the public with information are asked to call 999 immediately.”
** UPDATE ** 12.35 Friday
The body of the third man, who gardai were looking for in connection to the incident, has been found and it is understood the search operation was stood down around midday.
It is believed he is a brother of the two men found earlier this morning.
Locals in the area are in shock and disbelief at what has been developing since early morning.
A number of scenes have now been preserved for technical examination by the Garda Technical Bureau and investigations are ongoing.
