Cuddly toys and an Easter egg left at scene where dad and son died

Their bodies were found in a ditch with a stream running through it yesterday afternoon.

Shocked locals left flowers, cuddly toys and a chocolate Easter egg at the tragic scene today.

Gardaí are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths, but they are being treated as a tragic accident.

It is thought they used a shortcut through a fence over the Royal Canal but may have slipped and fell from a height into the water.

The Garda Water Unit examined the area today, using a ladder to gain access, while door to door inquiries were carried out.

The father and son were paying an Easter visit to relatives in the Ashington housing estate off the Navan Road.

Local Labour councillor Brendan Carr said a child died in similar circumstances at the same spot some years ago and he has called for improved safety measures.

A spokesperson for Iarnród Éireann has said its safety fencing around rail tracks is being damaged repeatedly in the area to facilitate the short-cut route.

Iarnród Éireann says the fencing was repaired as recently as 12 March.