Post mortem examinations are being carried out on two bodies found in a burnt out car just across the border in the Republic of Ireland.
Firefighters discovered the remains at the car park of Ravensdale forest in Dundalk, Co Louth, at around 11pm on Wednesday.
Preliminary tests indicated that the bodies belong to two men and that they were shot dead before the vehicle was set alight.
Irish police are investigating links to gang feuds related to the trade in illegal drugs as one possible line of inquiry.
It is understood DNA testing will have to be used to identify the victims.
A post mortem will be carried out on Friday afternoon.
Louth Fire Brigade said they were alerted to the burning vehicle by a 999 call from a passing motorist.
A spokesperson said: "A fire service unit from Dundalk was called to deal with what was initially thought to be a routine car fire at a car park in Ravensdale, an area that is usually used by walkers in the Cooley Mountains.
"As the fire was being brought under control, they discovered one badly burned body. They subsequently found a second body in the car."
Gardai have asked anyone who knows of any missing people to come forward.