An investigation is under way after a child sustained serious injuries at a house in Co Clare this morning.
The child, believed to be a young girl of primary school age, was taken to University Hospital Limerick following an incident at a house close to the village of Clarecastle, which is located on the outskirts of Ennis, at around 8am.
Gardaí said the child remains in a critical condition.
A woman was also found unconscious at the scene and was also taken to UHL where she remains in a critical condition.
The area where the incident happened has been sealed off to allow gardaí to carry out any necessary technical examinations.
It is understood at this stage that the child did not sustain her injuries accidentally.
In a statement, gardaí said they are investigating all the circumstances around the child's discovery.
An incident room has been established at Ennis Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the investigation.
A family liaison officer has been appointed to the family.
An Garda Síochána are appealing for anyone with any information on this incident to contact the investigation team at Ennis Garda Station 065 6848100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
