Gardaí are investigating the potential role of accidental alcohol poisoning after the bodies of a man and a woman were found in a Co Cavan house.
The Irish Examiner reports that investigators are examining the possibility that the unwitting consumption, and toxic effects, of non-commercial spirits were responsible for the deaths.
No signs of a break-in, violence on the bodies or a struggle have been found at the rural bungalow in Cloverhill near Belturbet.
However, gardaí stressed that they are examining all possibilities until the completion of a postmortem examination.
The couple have been named locally as Rolandas Jarmalvicius and Rita Martinkiene, both aged in their 40s and from Lithuania.
Gardaí were called to the home on Sunday evening by concerned family after the couple had not been seen or heard from for days.
Vodka bottles
The two bodies were located in separate rooms when gardaí and emergency services entered the house, which was sealed as gardaí awaited the arrival of forensic experts and the State Pathologist.
It is understood that the man was found in the bathroom and the woman in a separate room. It is thought they may have been dead for a number of days.
Sources said tests will be conducted on apparent vodka bottles in the house to determine whether they contained normal vodka or non-commercial spirits.
Given that both died around the same time after consuming the alcohol, this may suggest toxic illicit product rather than commercial spirits, sources said, but said this would not be clear until full tests were carried out.
The bodies were removed for a postmortem examination just before 2.30pm on Monday. The examination conducted yesterday evening is likely to be followed by urine and blood tests to establish the quantity and type of alcohol consumed and the presence of anything else.
In a statement, gardaí said “all the circumstances” surrounding the unexplained deaths are being investigated.
The couple are believed to have lived in the house for up to seven years. They were understood to be employed in a factory just across the border.
