Offaly arson double murder getaway car images released & cops make fresh suspects info plea as gran remains in hospital

The two thugs who carried out the horror attack fled the scene in a black Kia Rio which was later recovered burnt out at Tipper East, Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of the December 7.
GARDAI investigating the horrific murders of little Tadhg Farrell and his grand-aunt Mary Holt have released images of the car used by the evil duo who carried out the callous petrol bomb attack.

The innocent pair died after the thugs flung the lethal device through the front window of a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly on December 6.

Tadhg, four, was being cared for by 60-year-old Mary and her sister Pauline Holt when the murderous attack took place.

Pauline continues to receive treatment in hospital for serious burn injuries she suffered in the incident.

Gardai today released details of the vehicle used by the killers.

They confirmed the pair arrived at the scene in a black Ford Kia saloon, which was found burnt out in Naas, Co Kildare on December 7 – the day after they petrol bombed the house.

They said that none of the previous owners of the car are suspected of any involvement in the murders but have appealed for any with information on the movements of the car in the weeks before the killings or immediately afterwards to contact them.

In a statement, the Gardai said: “An Garda Siochana is now appealing for any information on a Black Kia Rio Saloon car registration number 08-D-24363.

“The two males who carried out this fatal arson attack left the scene at Castleview Park, Edenderry in this Black Kia Rio.

“This black Kia Rio has been recovered burnt out at Tipper East, Naas, Co Kildare in the early hours of the 7th December 2025.

“The Garda investigation team is satisfied that any previous registered owners of this car are not involved in any way with this murderous attack.

“The Garda investigation team want to speak with any person who may have any information on person or persons who had access to this car 08 D 24363 Black Kia Rio Saloon between October 7 2025 and December 7 2025, any knowledge of the whereabouts or activities of this car from December 1 through to December 7 2025, any CCTV footage/images of the car in Kildare, Laois, Offaly or surrounding areas from December 1 through to December 7 2025.”

Gardai previously released CCTV of two youths carrying out the attack and then fleeing the scene.

The suspect who threw the device through the window appeared to suffer burn injuries as he lit the petrol bomb and flung it through the front window of the house.

It’s believed the attack was ordered from the Midlands Prison after a man known to Tadhg and Mary was involved in a confrontation with another inmate behind bars.

A number of arrests were made in the jail after another assault took place in the days following the murders.

RENEWED APPEAL

Gardai today also renewed their appeal for anyone with information on the murders to come forward.

Their statement added: “This murder investigation is being coordinated from an incident room at Tullamore Garda Station under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.

“An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardaí.

“An Garda Siochana wants to acknowledge the support and assistance provide to the Garda investigation to this point.

“Any person with information can contact the investigation team in confidence by the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111.

“The investigation team can also be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.”