A couple in their 70s have been found dead at their home in Carndonagh in Co Donegal.

Gardaí were called to a house shortly after 9am, where they discovered the bodies of Kathleen and Jimmy Cuddihy.

A hatchet was discovered at the scene.

A 42-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident.

He is being detained at Buncrana Garda Station.

The bodies of the retired couple were found by a member of their family at their home this morning.

Mr Cuddihy was a retired school teacher and Ms Cuddihy was a retired nurse.

The couple have four adult children, two boys and two girls.

Mr Cuddihy was originally from Kilkenny and Ms Cuddihy was from Malin in Co Donegal.

State Pathologist Dr Marie Cassidy carried out a preliminary examination this evening.