Locals are in shock in a local Cavan community this evening after a mother and son were killed in a house fire this morning. 

The blaze broke out in a house at Lackenmore near Ballyjamesduff at approximately 2am. 

The cause of the fire is not yet known and Gardaí are investigating.

Their bodies have been taken to Cavan General Hospital for a postmortem. 

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith said people are “in shock” that this could happen to this "well-known family”. 

“It’s absolutely a tragedy that happened in our local community,” he said. 

“The family will get all the support that they need from the community. 

“The community will rally and help them in any way they can, and they won’t be found wanting in their hour of need.” 

Cllr Smith said he was on the scene before emergency services arrived and praised them for their work. 

“The paramedics, the fire brigade, the Gardaí, even the parish priest was here,” he said. “They were so professional yet so respectful. 

“I can’t compliment them high enough and the work that they do.”