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Gardai believe an arson attack led to the deaths of two children in a car fire in Co Westmeath

Gardai believe an arson attack led to the deaths of two children in a car fire in Co Westmeath
A stock image of Garda tape, © PA Archive/PA Images

Gardai believe an arson attack led to the deaths of two children in a car fire in Co Westmeath on Friday afternoon.

Two-year-old Michael and five-year-old Thelma were in the vehicle with their mother, Lynn Egar, at the time.

The boy and girl lost their lives in the incident in Multyfarnham, while their mother remains in hospital after being seriously injured.

The Irish Times crime correspondent, Conor Lally, says Gardai are conducting a criminal inquiry and are trying to find out who was responsible:

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"A Garda Technical Examination of the scene has been carried out, and the vehicle was also taken away to be examined."

"The family's home in Co. Westmeath was also sealed off, and its undergone an examination over the weekend aswell."

"Based on the evidence gathered so far, Gardaí believe the fire was started as the result of an arson attack."

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