‘Detained at Leixlip Garda station’: Arrest made in 30-year murder case

In September 1987, a community in Co Kildare went into mourning following the tragic death of two children and their babysitter in Kilcock.

Kerrie Ann Byrne was just three-years-old when she and her eight-year-old sister, Mary Ellen, died in a house fire on Church Lane in the small Kildare town.

The children were in the care of their 20-year-old babysitter, Barbara Doyle, when the fire broke out.

Despite initially believing that the death of the three individuals was the result of an accidental blaze, authorities revealed last week that they are now treating it as a murder case.

Following a fresh appeal into the case, Gardai have today confirmed that they have made an arrest relating to the case.

"Gardaí investigating the murders of Barbara Doyle, aged 20 years, Mary Ellen Byrne aged 8 years and Kerrie Byrne aged 3 years at a house fire in Kilcock, Co. Kildare that occured on 20th September, 1987 at Church Lane, Kilcock, Co. Kildare have made an arrest. "

"The man, (in his 50s) was arrested this afternoon in North County Dublin and is currently detained at Leixlip Garda Station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984."

The Gardaí have thanked the public for their assistance following the appeal's renewal.