Gardaí investigate possibility Donegal couple died of multiple wounds

It is understood a man and his wife in their 70s have died as a result of the incident. A 42-year-old man has been arrested at the scene.

It is understood the couple died from multiple wounds.

A garda cordon has been put up to seal off the large, neat bungalow which is surrounded by gardens and is on the edge of the town on the Carn side of Mountain Road.

RTE News report that a hatchet was recovered at the scene.

The dead couple are well known in the area and there is widespread shock in Carndonagh.

A priest has been called to the house to give the last rites.

The house has been sealed off and the office of the State Pathologist has been informed.

Fianna Fáil councillor Rena Donaghey said the community had been left stunned by the deaths.

She said: “It is truly shocking. Cardonagh is a small town and the close-knit community has been left in shock by the news. At this stage we are just awaiting further details to find out exactly what happened.”

There were emotional scenes as relatives of the pensioners arrived at the scene earlier this morning.

Fianna Fáil councillor Martin McDermott, who knows the family, said people had been left numb by the deaths.

“The community is just numb,” he said. “You do not think things like this will happen on your doorstep but, sadly they do.

“It is a very sad day.

“The couple would be very well-known and were well-liked in the area. They have a big family connection in the town.

“I would have known them personally and would have worked with them as part of my own work.

“It really is a tragedy.”