Gardaí have opened a criminal investigation following the deaths of two children in Multyfarnham, County Westmeath. 

Five-year-old Thelma Dennany and her brother Michael, aged two, died following a car fire and their mother, Lynn, is being treated for serious injuries in hospital. 

Gardaí believe the blaze was started maliciously and are now treating the incident as arson. 

Michael and Thelma Dennany. Pictures: Facebook

In a statement to the press, St Cremin’s National School said they were “devastated” to learn of the tragedy. 

“Thelma will be remembered by classmates and teachers as a warm, happy and vibrant member of St Cremin’s National School,” Principal Karl Dermody said. 

“We offer our sincere condolences to friends and family members as they come to terms with this tragic loss of life. 

“As a school, our priority will be to take every step to ensure that the needs of our pupils and their families are met, at this challenging time.” 

He also pledged to support pupils and staff as they come to terms with the tragedy and psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Services have been in contact. 

Anyone with any information has been urged to contact Mullingar Garda Station on 044-938-4000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any Garda station.

Main image: A floral tribute to Thelma and Michael Dennany.