Gardai launch 3 house searches over Offaly double murder arson attack as dad of boy, 4, refused funeral release

The Irish Sun has learned that hospital patients who present with burn injuries are being flagged with gardai
GARDAI are today carrying out three searches at homes in connection with a double murder arson attack that claimed the lives of four-year-old Tadhg Farrell and his grandaunt Mary Holt, 60.

Detectives are continuing to investigate “all circumstances” of the “violent” incident as little Tadgh’s family prepares to lay him to rest this afternoon.

Investigators confirmed Gardai from the Serious Crime Unit are carrying out three searches at domestic residences in Kildare and Offaly this morning.

Special Tactics and operations Command, the Garda National Bureau of Criminal Investigation and units from the Laois Offaly Garda Division and Kildare Carlow Garda Division are supporting the search.

A spokesperson for the force this morning continued to urge anyone with information that may assist in the murder investigation to come forward.

A statement said: “An Garda Siochana continues to appeal to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating Gardai.

“The investigation team can be contacted at the incident room at Tullamore Garda Station on 057 932 7600, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station, in particular Edenderry Garda Station.”

The huge investigation into the incident at Castleview Park on Saturday evening is ongoing with gardai focusing in on a gang in the Midlands.

Both Mary and Pauline Holt had no involvement in crime.

But gardai suspect the incident is linked to a recent dispute with someone known to the deceased.

Although it remains a line of inquiry, no evidence has been found in relation to that.

A number of persons of interest in the case are linked to the mob, known for intimidation tactics and arson attacks which have almost claimed lives in the past.

The Irish Sun has learned that hospital patients who present with burn injuries are being flagged with gardai – but no suspects have been uncovered.

Anyone who has been raised with investigators in recent days have been ruled out of suspicion.

Meanwhile, little Tadgh’s funeral mass will take place at 12pm at St Mary’s Church in Edenderry today.

He will be laid to rest afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery.

‘YOU WERE THE BEST BOY’

Tadgh’s dad Aaron Holt has been denied compassionate bail to attend his son’s funeral.

The 27-year-old, awaiting sentence for serious drug offences, appeared via video-link from the Midlands Prison to make an urgent application before Judge Kenneth Connolly at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court today.

The dad-of-three, who has 57 prior criminal convictions, was refused leave by Judge Connolly, who said he had deep sympathies for the situation but had no hesitation in refusing the application over Holt’s persistent offending and the nature and value of his latest offence.

Holt remained silent throughout the hearing and showed no emotion when the judgement was made.

Elsewhere, Tadhg’s grieving mum Shannon Farrell has taken to social media to remember her son.

Since learning of the horrendous news that her son had died in the incident as he was being babysat by his granny and grandaunt, Shannon has been supported by her loved ones and friends.

She posted a picture of Tadhg, who was due to turn five on New Year’s Day, enjoying a trip to Emerald Park in Co Meath over the summer.

And she wrote: “I love you son. I promise your mammy is gonna do everything I can.

“You were the best boy ever with the most innocent loveable heart.

“You’re my only boy and always will. I have no words.”

SHOCKING FOOTAGE

Tadhg’s granny Pauline Holt suffered serious burn injuries in the incident, after she tried to get to her grandson and sister.

However, the blaze was too strong and she remained in hospital last night for treatment to her wounds.

CCTV of the attack, released by gardai, captured the two thugs entering the garden of a home in Castleview Park.

One smashed the front window with a metal bar, before the other yob ignited the missile and fired it on top of Tadhg and Mary who were in the front room at the time.

The pair, who have yet to be identified, then fled in a Kia car from the scene, as revealed by the Irish Sun this week.

Gardai have yet to establish an exact motive for the incident.