Gardaí have released CCTV footage of an arson attack in Edenderry, Co Offaly, in which a young boy and his grand-aunt were killed over the weekend.
Four-year-old Tadgh Farrell and 60-year-old Mary Holt died after a fire broke out at a house in Castleview Park in the town on Saturday night.
Tadgh and Ms Holt were in a front room downstairs in the house when a suspected petrol bomb was thrown through the window.
It is understood the house had been targeted previously.
Gardaí issued a new appeal this evening and released footage of the moment the house was attacked.
In the footage, two people are seen approaching the house before it bursts into flames. The two people then flee the scene.
In a statement this evening, gardaí said Tadhg was visiting his grandmother and his grand-aunt, Ms Holt, at the time of the attack.
His remains and Ms Holt's remains were discovered in the front room, where the fire was deliberately started.
Tadhg's grandmother continues to receive hospital treatment for serious burn injuries.
Post-mortem examinations have been carried out on Tadhg and Ms Holt, the results of which are not being released for operational reasons.
As part of the murder investigation, gardaí have carried out over 150 investigative jobs, carried out over 250 house-to-house enquiries and retrieved over 60 pieces of CCTV.
Chief Superintendent Anthony Lonergan of the Laois/Offaly Garda Division said: "Tadhg should be with his family today.
"His grandaunt Mary should be working in a local nursing home where she worked for over 40 years helping her community.
"I want to reassure the community here in Edenderry and throughout Laois/Offaly Division that I will ensure that An Garda Síochána is here to support you through this traumatic event, but also that An Garda Síochána is determined, and will identify all those responsible for the deaths of Tadhg and Mary and bring them before the courts.
"I appeal directly to any person with any information on this violent fatal incident to speak with investigating gardaí."
A vigil will take place this evening in Edenderry, as the community comes together to remember the victims.
The vigil is being organised by Derry Rovers AFC, which, it said, will bring the community together "in a stance against the drugs scourge" in the locality and the loss of an innocent child.
The football club said the tragedy has shaken the town to its core and is urging people to turn out and unite as a community in support and solidarity.
The attack is being linked to an organised criminal gang believed to be involved in the drugs trade in the Midlands.
However, Ms Holt and Tadhg were innocent victims and it is understood the house may have been targeted in a case of drug debt intimidation.
Earlier this week, Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said that those behind the attack would be held to account.
Mr Martin said the level of inhumanity behind the attack was difficult to comprehend.
He said no effort will be spared by An Garda Síochána and the State to bring those responsible to justice.
Call for drug criminality taskforce in Edenderry
Offaly Fianna Fáil TD Tony McCormack has called for the establishment of a dedicated taskforce for Edenderry, focused on dismantling drug-driven criminality.
Speaking in the Dáil today, Deputy McCormack said he is asking the Garda Commissioner to consider the move.
"People deserve protection in life, not only in law. They deserve peace in their homes and on their streets" he said.
"They deserve the right to enjoy the simple things like sitting in their own sitting room to watch television without fear"
"We owe that to Mary and little Tadhg. We owe that to every resident in Edenderry"
Deputy McCormack said that he has complete confidence in the gardai to find those responsible.
However he said justice must also mean prevention, "restoring confidence, protecting children and rebuilding peace".
