The death of a father and his daughter in Heathfield Terrace in Finglas has been described as a "devastating day" for the local community. 

The two bodies were removed yesterday for post-mortem examinations, while the house remains sealed off for a forensic examination. 

Neither of the deceased will be named until all relatives have been informed. 

 “On Saturday at around 8 o’clock - or just before it - the mother came home from her work and made this horrible discovery,” Irish Times Crime Correspondent Conor Gallagher explained to Newstalk Breakfast. 

“She found the child in her bedroom and the father outside the bedroom. 

“She called emergency services, who came to the scene but were unable to revive either of the people.” 

Gardaí outside the family home. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/ © Rollingnews.ie.

Although their investigation is still in its early stages, Gardaí have found no sign of a break in and do not suspect third party involvement. 

“That’s led Gardaí to include that they’re dealing most likely with a murder suicide in circumstances where the father, a man in his 50s, took the life of his daughter, his five year old daughter, before taking his own life,” Mr Gallagher continued.  

He added that Finglas locals are “struggling to come to terms with it all” and that it is a “devastating day” for all who know the family. 

“The family were by all accounts a quiet family but well liked,” Mr Gallagher said. 

“Nobody had any problems with them, the child would have been seen playing in the playground just across the house, learning to ride a bike in recent weeks.

Main image: Gardaí and the forensic team outside the family home in Finglas. Picture by: Eamonn Farrell/ © Rollingnews.ie