'BUST-UP IN PRISON SPARKED ATTACK'

Crim ordered firebombing after scrap with rival'

- BY PAUL HEALY Crime Correspondent

GARDAI believe they have identified those who ordered and carried out the firebomb attack that led to the murders of a four-year-old boy and his grandaunt.

This paper has learned a notorious criminal is suspected to have orchestrated the arson on a house in Edenderry, Co Offaly, after his associate was attacked by another prisoner in a jail bust-up the day prior.

Tadhg Farrell and 60-year-old Mary Holt died when a petrol bomb was thrown at the property on Castlepark estate on Saturday night.

Sources confirmed gardai have identified at least three known criminal figures suspected to have been involved - including a prisoner.

A remand inmate known to innocent Mrs Holt and Tadhg is suspected to have attacked another prisoner in the Midlands Prison on Friday - setting in motion a revenge plot that led to the double murder.

The victim of the assault reportedly contacted a well-known criminal, and between them it's claimed they orchestrated the attack to take place the following night.

Sources described the motive as revenge and believe it forms part of a larger dispute about drugs.