A close-knit community has been rocked after a mother, father, and their son were killed in chilling scenes at their family home.

A triple murder probe is under way after a mum, dad and their son were stabbed to death at their family home.

The horror discovery was made when a friend called to the home at Drumgowna, near Tallanstown in Co Louth, ­this morning.

The victims were named locally as Mark and Louise O’Connor, originally from Dundalk, along with their son Evan.

Two of the family members were found outside the property, while a third was found inside the home.

One theory is that the two relatives found outside had run from the home after being attacked and collapsed.

Following the discovery, both armed Gardai and uniformed officers responded to the 999 call.

A short time later, the couple’s other son Robert was arrested by office