Post mortem examinations began today on the bodies of a family of four who were found dead in their burned out home in Clonroche, Co Wexford, yesterday.
But the post mortem examinations as well as investigations at the scene of the fire had to be temporarily suspended today because of the presence of asbestos at the house in Clonroche.
Additional personal protection equipment had to be secured for investigators.
The crime scene investigation will re-commence in the morning and the position regarding the post mortem examinations will be reviewed at that stage.
Garda ballistics experts are also examining the licensed shot gun that was found in the house.
The main N30 Enniscorthy to New Ross road remains closed through Clonroche as a result of the investigation. Diversions are in place.
Gardaí are treating the deaths of Dermot and Lorraine Flood and their two children Mark and Julie as suspicious.
The four bodies of the Flood family were found by fire fighters in the burning remains of their home in Clonroche, Co Wexford.
A preliminary examination of the scene revealed that 41-year-old Dermot Flood and his 38-year-old wife Lorraine both had injuries that were not caused by the fire.
Gardaí could not say exactly what had caused the wounds but said they were treating the deaths as suspicious.
They also said the children, six-year-old Mark and five-year-old Julie, had no wounds other than those consistent with the fire.
This morning prayers were said at mass in Clonroche for the Flood family.
Speaking to worshippers at the Church of St Clement, just outside Clonroche, local curate Father Richard Redmond said they were gathering with heavy hearts and a deep sense of sadness and loss.
He said the untimely deaths had left everyone in the community numbed and saddened.
In a certain sense, he said, people also felt helpless and lost at this time.
Prayers were offered for the Flood and Kehoe families and Fr Redmond said they could be assured of the community's support in the days ahead.
