UK

Irish mother and son found in house ‘died in murder-suicide', police say

Sinead Higgins (37) and her son Oisin O'Driscoll
Sinead Higgins (37) and her son Oisin O'Driscoll Sinead Higgins (37) and her son Oisin O'Driscoll

AN Irish mother and son found at a house two days ago died in a murder-suicide, police believe.

The bodies of the woman, 37, and her seven-year-old son were discovered inside the property in The Fairway, Ruislip, west London, at around 10.50am on Wednesday.

Officers forced their way into the house after concerns were raised for their welfare.

Formal identification is yet to take place but police believe the deceased are Sinead Higgins from Westport, Co Mayo and Oisin O'Driscoll and that their deaths did not involve a third party.

Although the cause of deaths after post-mortem examinations was deemed inconclusive, police said they are "satisfied that the deaths are consistent with a murder and a suicide".

Officers said they are awaiting further toxicology tests.

The woman's local parish priest, Father Jackie Conroy, of Aghagower Parish in Westport has said that there are currently no details available concerning the funeral liturgy for Ms Higgins and her son Oisín.