Gardaí investigating a house fire in Co Kildare this morning that resulted in the death of an 81-year-old pensioner believe it may have been started deliberately.
Following an examination of the scene by members of the garda technical bureau a spokesman for the force said “one line of enquiry being followed is that the fire may have been started deliberately”.
Shortly after 6am the Fire Brigade was alerted to the fire in Pairc Mhuire and three occupants were taken from the property and brought to Naas General Hospital.
The 81-year-old man named locally as Michael Crowe died a short time later. A man in his forties and a woman in her early 70s are still being treated in hospital where their condition is described as stable.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone who was in the area between 1am and 6am or who may have seen someone acting suspiciously to contact them at Newbridge Garda Station 045 440180, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
A Post Mortem of the deceased man is scheduled to take place later tonight at the hospital.