Taoiseach Enda Kenny tells of shock after deaths of Mayo mother Sinéad Higgins and son Oisín, 7, in London
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Taoiseach Enda Kenny tells of shock after deaths of Mayo mother Sinéad Higgins and son Oisín, 7, in London

TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has spoken of his shock over the tragic death of Mayo mum Sinéad Higgins and young son Oisín in west London. 

Mr Kenny was speaking at the end of the European Council meeting in Brussels when he made the comments about the Irish woman and her young son.

"I'm shocked actually, I know that family very well," he said. "It's a particular tragedy for a very large family, a very well-respected family, and people I know so well.

"When I got that message here in Brussels, I have to say it went through me."

The bodies of Westport-native Sinéad Higgins and her seven-year-old son Oisín O'Driscoll were discovered at their home in Ruislip on Wednesday morning.

Police officers forced entry to their home on The Fairway after welfare concerns were raised for the mother and son.

The bodies of Sinéad and Oisín were found inside the property.

The 37-year-old mother had lived in London for 16 years and had worked as a nurse for a number of hospitals in the capital.

She later retrained as a medical legal advisor, which was her occupation at the time of her death.

Sinéad Higgins came from a large family of nine children, however her brother and father passed away some years ago.

She described herself as a 'fun person' and a 'proud mama' to Oisín on social media.

Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to take place today.

Detective Inspector Dave Bolton, from the Homicide and Major Crime, said it’s likely the deaths “do not involve a third party.”

“The investigation is at a very early stage but enquiries so far lead us to believe there is a likelihood that the tragic events that led to the deaths do not involve a third party.

“We are appealing to anyone who has any information to come and speak with us.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8244 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.