Two children are among four people killed in a house fire in Waterford City in Ireland.
A man and a woman have also died following the blaze shortly after 5am on Tuesday, police in Ireland have said.
Two other children are said to be fighting for life.
The incident occurred in the Birchwood estate in Waterford Cit. Gardaí and other emergency services are at the scene.
A gardaí spokesperson said: “An Garda Síochána are investigating all the circumstances of a fatal house fire that occurred in the Birchwood area of Waterford City shortly after 5am this morning.
“Gardaí and emergency services remain at the scene.
“An Garda Síochána can confirm two adults, one man and one woman, and two children are deceased.
“Two other children have been removed from the scene and are receiving hospital treatment for critical injuries.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has described it as a ‘deeply disturbing situation’ (Mícheál Ó Scannáil/PA)
“An incident room has been set up at Waterford Garda Station and a senior investigating officer has been appointed.
“Family liaison officers have also been appointed.
“An Garda Siochána are appealing for information from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Birch Avenue, Birchwood, Waterford City in the early hours of Tuesday October 13 to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
“As this is an ongoing evolving incident An Garda Síochána is not in a position to provide any further detail at present.”
Minister of State John Cummins and Taoiseach Micheál Martin have paid tribute to those who have lost their lives.
Mr Martin has described it as a “deeply disturbing situation”.
Mr Martin said details of the incident are still unfolding
Speaking ahead of a cabinet meeting in Dublin, he said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with anybody who has lost their lives and all who are affected.
“We thank the first responders who are at the scene.
“We say to everyone to give space to the first responders, to the gardaí to deal with what clearly is a very worrying and deeply disturbing situation.”
Mr Cummins said: “Waterford has been plunged into utter devastation and sadness this morning with the tragic loss of lives overnight in Birchwood.
John Cummins called for gardaí to be given time and space to carry out their investigations (Mícheál Ó Scannáil/PA)
“My deepest sympathies go to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives, their friends, neighbours and the wider community.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the emergency services personnel who have been attending what can only be described as a horrific scene.”
The Waterford minister called for gardaí to be given time and space to carry out their investigations.
He added: “I know that in the difficult days and weeks ahead, the community will rally around those affected, offering strength, compassion and support in whatever way we can.
“At times of unimaginable sadness, it is the kindness and solidarity of a close-knit community that can provide some comfort to those who need it most.
“This is a devastating loss and as a county, we stand together in grief and solidarity at this difficult time.”
In a statement, Waterford Fire Service said it was alerted to a house fire at Birchwood Avenue at 5.13am on Tuesday.
It said: “A number of units from surrounding stations attended and on arrival found a well-developed fire.
“Firefighting operations commenced immediately, and a number of casualties were removed from the two storey house.
“The fire was extinguished and the scene handed over to An Garda Síochána.
“Waterford City and County Council has commissioned the Butler Community Centre in St. John’s Park in Waterford city (X91 FEP4) as a Support Hub.
“Professional supports, refreshments, and facilities are available for those who have been affected by the fire in the Birchwood area.”