The results of post mortem examinations on a family found dead at their home in Wexford have shown that both parents died from gunshot wounds.
Diarmuid Flood died from a single gunshot wound to the head and his wife Lorraine sustained a single gunshot wound to the chest.
Gardaí said that the precise cause of death for the children, Julie and Mark, is not yet known.
Their injuries were consistent with the fire but gardaí said that was not the cause of death; there is no evidence of physical trauma to the children.
Post mortem examinations are continuing to establish the exact cause of the children's deaths.
Gardaí have said both the Flood and Kehoe families have issued a special plea to the media not to speculate about what led to the tragedy.
Speaking to reporters, Superintendent Kevin Donohue said there had been a lot of theories in the media today which all cannot be accurate.
He said gardaí are aware of certain facts in this investigation that disproves most of the theories that were peddled in the media today.
Supt Donohue said the crime scene investigation will continue for the next few days to allow more technical experts examine the house.
Meanwhile, a relative of the Flood family has appealed for privacy. It came in a statement issued by Denis Kennedy, a representative of the families of the parents.
A Book of Condolence has opened at the town hall in New Ross.
Post mortem examinations of the bodies began yesterday morning, while at the same time forensic experts combed the remains of the house for clues.
Psychologists were today on hand at the school where six-year-old Mark and five-year-old Julie were pupils, to help the other students, teachers and parents.
Privacy appeal - the family's statement
Read Mr Kennedy's statement in full below.
'Following the celebration of Mass at Lorraine's family home last evening attended by both families' friends and neighbours, our families wish to make the following statement:
'In the light of the recent events with much sorrow in our hearts we the bereaved families ask to be afforded the privacy to mourn and cherish our dearly departed.
'We ask of the media to understand our wishes to be allowed the dignity to put to rest our loved ones without undue attention or speculation.
'We hope that in the fullness of time we may all come to understand what could have led to this tragic occurrence.
'We urge the media, our wider community and the nation to understand how deeply we have been affected by this tragedy and to realise that Diarmuid and Lorraine were children of their parents, Mark and Julie were grandchildren to their grandparents siblings to their siblings and loved by all who knew them.
'Our two families so well known and loved by each other must now begin the process of re-building our lives shattered by this tragedy.
'To all who offered condolences and support at this time we are eternally grateful.
'May Mark, Julie, Diarmuid and Lorraine rest in peace.'
