An investigation is under way into the deaths of a man and woman in Co Clare.

A garda on duty in the village of Kildysart was attending the scene of an electrical fire when he saw a woman on the street in distress.

There was a child with her.

She collapsed on the street and the child ran across to an apartment.

When gardaí entered the apartment, they saw a man at the top of the stairs.

They had a brief conversation but the man, who had a serious injury, then collapsed.

Despite efforts by gardaí at the scene, both the 44-year-old man and the 27-year-old woman were pronounced dead by a local doctor.

Gardaí are treating the deaths as a tragic domestic incident and trying to establish how the couple were fatally injured.

Both are South African nationals and had been in Ireland for the last couple of months.

Their bodies remain at the scene tonight. The Assistant State Pathologist is due there tomorrow.

Two children were taken from the house and are being cared for by neighbours.

The HSE has been informed.

Gardaí have appealed for any witnesses, particularly for anyone who may have been on Main Street, Kildysart between 6pm and 7.30pm to contact Kildysart Garda Station on 065-6832102 the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666111 or any garda station.