A young girl and a woman have been taken to hospital after they were found in critical condition at a house in County Clare.

Gardaí said the girl was found with serious injuries and the woman was found unconscious at the house in Clarecastle at around 8am this morning.

They are both being treated at University Hospital Limerick, where their condition is described as critical.

The scene has been preserved and is being examined by crime scene investigators.

An incident room has been established at Ennis Garda Station and a Senior Investigating Officer appointed to oversee the investigation.

A Garda spokesperson said the investigation was “live and ongoing”.

Gardaí are urging anyone with any information to contact them.