The bodies of a man and child have been found at separate properties in west Dublin, Gardaí (Irish police) have said.
Gardaí and emergency services were called to a home in Cherry Orchard in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, at around 08:30 local time on Thursday where a body of a man in his 40s was found.
The body of a boy was found at a home in Clondalkin, Dublin 22, shortly afterwards.
BBC News NI understands the two bodies are that of a father and son.
Both scenes have been preserved for forensic examination by the Garda Technical Bureau.
The coroner has been notified and the services of the Office of the State Pathologist have been requested by gardaí.
The body of the man has been removed from the scene and brought to the city morgue while the body of the boy remains at the scene.
“Post-mortem examinations will be arranged in due course,” said a garda spokesperson in a statement.
“The results of these examinations will assist Gardaí in determining the course of the investigation.
“The investigation is being carried out under a senior investigating officer.”
Sinn Féin councillor Daithi Doolan said it was “heartbreaking news”.
“Deepest sympathy to the family and friends,” he wrote on X.
“You are in our thoughts at this sad time.”