Two women have tragically died after taking ill at a homeless hostel in the Midlands.
And two more men have also been left seriously ill after being discovered at the hostel in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
It's understood the two women were found dead between 2.30am on Sunday and 8am on Monday.
The "unexplained deaths" involve a woman in her late teens and a woman aged 44.
One of the men, 23, has since been taken to hospital where he is said to be in a critical condition. The second man, 32, is also ill in hospital.
The deaths are not believed to be Covid-19 related.
A garda spokesman told the Irish Mirror: "Gardaí in Tullamore have commenced an investigation following the unexplained deaths of two women in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
"On Sunday 26th April 2020 Gardaí were called to a hostel in Tullamore town, where a woman aged 44 years was discovered in an unresponsive state.
"She was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
"Her body was removed to Tullamore Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
"This morning (27/4/2020) at the same location emergency services were called to treat a woman in aged her late teens.
"She was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later and her body has since been removed to the mortuary at Tullamore Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be carried out.
"While at the hostel a 23-year-old man became unresponsive and was removed by ambulance to Tullamore Hospital. His condition is understood to be critical.
"A second man aged 32 years was also taken to Hospital for treatment, his condition is not thought to be life threatening.
"Gardaí are liaising with the HSE and CADS, a local community alcohol and drugs support group, in relation to the case.
"The deaths are not thought to be Covid related and Gardaí are awaiting post-mortem and toxicology results to determine the course of a their enquiries.
"The local Coroner has been notified."
