Local politicians have described the death of two children and a teenage in Tallaght as a "shocking tragedy".

At around 12.30am this morning, Gardaí were informed of a violent incident at a residence in the Rossfield Estate, Tallaght, Dublin 24.

A female aged 18 years and boy and girl aged 8 years (twins) were fatally injured in the course of the incident and later pronounced dead.

A teenaged boy aged 14 years also injured is being treated in Tallaght Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Local politicians

Dublin South West TD John Lahart said that the news was "shocking to hear" and that "words are completely inadequate".

"As a public representative for the area you just be thinking of the families and neighbours."

"Reports describe that Gardaí had been met with what is a challenging and traumatic event and a violent event."

"Completely out of left field"

Councillor Mick Duff said there is a "palpable sense of shock" in Tallaght today following the incident.

"This is something that came completely out of the left field."

"This is not something that you want to wake up and hear - that two young children and a teenager have been killed and there are people in hospital."

A man in his early 20s arrested at the scene remains in Garda custody at Tallaght Garda Station.

Main image shows the house where three people were killed in Tallaght. Picture by: Michael Dooley