Crime investigation launched into children's deaths

The deaths of Michael and Thelma Egar are being treated as suspicious, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris confirmed today.

Speaking this morning, Commissioner Harris confirmed that gardaí have now launched a criminal investigation into the events surrounding the children's deaths on Friday. He also appealed for anyone who may have information relating to the incident to come forward.

“This is now a crime investigation. We are investigating this as [there are] suspicious circumstances around these deaths and we are regarding it now as a crime investigation.

“In particular, we would ask the public for their support in helping us with this investigation. Anyone who was moving in the Lacken/Multyfarnham area last Friday between about two o'clock and three thirty/three forty, if they took dashcam footage; if they seen anything suspicious; please report to the gardaí,” he said.

Thelma (5) and her brother Michael (2) died from injuries sustained in a car fire on Friday afternoon just outside Multyfarnham. Their mother Lynn Egar was in the car with the children and is currently being treated in hospital for what are being described as life changing injuries.

Around 500 took part in a vigil in memory of Thelma and Michael in Multyfarnham yesterday evening.