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Post mortem on bodies found at Limerick farmhouse 'inconclusive'

The bodies were found at house in Askeaton in the early hours of this morning.

Updated 9.24pm

Couple found dead in farmhouse Brian Lawless / PA Wire Brian Lawless / PA Wire / PA Wire

NO CAUSE OF death has been established following post mortem examinations of a couple found at an isolated farmhouse in Limerick.

It is believed the man and woman had been there for “a number of weeks”.

Gardaí say that following the inconclusive examinations this evening, further testing is needed and could take some time.

The bodies were found at house in Askeaton in the early hours of this morning after gardaí had been tipped off about a possible robbery at the house.

Couple found dead in farmhouse Brian Lawless / PA Wire Brian Lawless / PA Wire / PA Wire

The pair have been named as Julia Holmes, 63 and her partner Thomas Ruttle,who was in his 50s.

Holmes had been wanted by the PSNI, having been charged with fraud in 2011. Today, the PSNI said that they were “still seeking the public’s help” in finding her.

Neither Holmes nor Ruttle had been seen for two months and it is understood that the bodies were badly decomposed.

Couple found dead in farmhouse Brian Lawless / PA Wire Brian Lawless / PA Wire / PA Wire

The scene at Boolaglass, near the town of Askeaton remains sealed off for a technical examination.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Newcastle West Garda Station on 069 20650, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda Station.

Originally published 8.10am. Additional reporting by Nicky Ryan.

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