3 found dead at north Cork farm following shooting incident

The bodies of three men have been found at a farm in north Co. Cork following a fatal shooting incident.

At approximately 6.30am today (Monday, October 26), Gardaí in Kanturk were alerted to a critical firearms incident at a farm at Assolas, Kanturk, Co. Cork.

A short time earlier a female, in her 60s, alerted neighbours that firearms had been discharged at her home. Gardaí were informed that three males were present in the house, and that one male may have suffered from gunshot wounds.

In a statment, An Garda Síochána said:

“Gardaí from Kanturk responded to the scene, arriving shortly afterwards, and were informed that further gunshots had been heard locally.

“An Garda Síochána initiated its critical firearms incident response. The scene of the incident, a family home, was contained by local uniform and plain clothes Gardaí, supported by the Armed Support Unit.

Bodies found after 1:00pm

“Throughout the morning, Garda negotiators attempted to make contact with any persons in the house.”

After 1:00pm, members of the Emergency Response Unit approached the house and the body of a male in his 20s, with a gunshot wound, was discovered in a bedroom of the house. No other persons were present in the house.

“The Garda Air Support Unit helicopter commenced an aerial search of the adjoining lands. At approximately 1.40pm two further bodies, a male in his late 50s and a male in his 20s, were discovered in adjoining lands. Preliminary indications indicate both bodies have gunshot wounds.”

A number of firearms have been seized from the scene and will be subject to technical examinations.

Gardaí confirmed this evening that the three deceased men are from the same family.

The Garda Critical Incident response has been stood down.

Both locations have been declared as crime scenes and An Garda Síochána has commenced a full investigation into all the circumstances of the incident under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer. The state pathologist and the Garda Technical Bureau have been contacted and are on the way to both scenes.

The statement continued:

“A family liaison officer has been appointed and an incident room has been established in Kanturk. Gardaí are not looking for any other persons in connection with this incident at this time.

“An Garda Síochána is appealing to any person who may have any information which may assist in the investigation of the incidents which occurred this morning to contact investigating Gardaí at Mallow Garda Station 022 31450, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.”