Vanessa Whyte with her son James and daughter Sarah,who all died in the shooting
The two children and mother who were killed in a triple shooting at a family home in Northern Ireland have been named locally.
Vanessa White,her son James and daughter Sarah are thought to have been killed in what is being investigated as a triple murder and attempted suicide.
A man remains in serious condition with gunshot injuries after police interrupted the shootings in the usually quiet,rural village of Maguiresbridge.
Police rushed to the scene after a call was made from inside the house asgunfire rang out at just after 8am on Wednesday.
Superintendent Robert McGowan confirmed all four family members suffered gunshot wounds.
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Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.Two were found dead at the scene,while a third later died of their injuries in hospital.The three victims were all ‘beloved and active’ members of the local Gaelic football and hurling clubs,according to tributes flooding in.Vanessa,aged in her 40s,worked as a vet and had moved to Fermanagh from her original home in County Clare.Chief veterinary officer at the Department of Agriculture,Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Brian Dooher said: ‘Vanessa was a highly respected colleague,a devoted mother and an active member of her local community.‘Many of us had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally and she was hugely admired by all those who came across her.’He added: ‘The loss we feel today is immense and it has profoundly affected us. The next few days,weeks and months will be difficult for all who knew her – especially her family.‘We are thinking of her family,friends and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.’Mr McGowan said that the suspect has a ‘limited footprint’ with police.
Forensic officers at scene in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge
(Credits: Oliver McVeigh/PA Wire)The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a 999 call at 8.21am on Wednesday and dispatched three emergency ambulances,one rapid response paramedic,two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene.Mr McGowan said the shooting was ongoing when police arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning.‘It just happened prior to police attending,so,as you can appreciate,it’s a very harrowing scene for all involved,’ he told reporters.‘So,not only police officers,but colleagues in the ambulance service,and family members. Without going into detail,it’s a very harrowing scene for anybody to attend.’He added: ‘There is limited domestic history involving the people concerned and that is certainly one line of inquiry that the detectives will take forward.’He said the alarm was raised by a phone call made from the house where the shooting was taking place.‘I am keen first and foremost to express my sympathy to the family members and loved ones who are today left in total shock and who will struggle to come to terms with their unimaginable loss,’ he added.‘Detectives have now commenced a murder investigation and are working at pace to determine the circumstances.‘This is a quiet rural location and I’m aware that this tragic event will have sent shockwaves of sadness throughout the community.’The local Gaelic football club said those who died in the tragedy were all ‘active and beloved’ members of the club.‘St Mary’s Maguiresbridge GFC offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning,’ it said in a statement on Facebook.‘We are working with the GAA at county,provincial and national level,to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols.‘We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.’Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was ‘absolutely heartbroken’ at the news.She wrote in a post on the social media site X: ‘My thoughts are with the victims,their loved ones,and the local community.‘I have no doubt that the people of Maguiresbridge will come together and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.’Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said it was ‘truly devastating’ to hear of ‘this terrible and violent event’.‘My thoughts at this dreadful time are with the loved ones,family and friends,but most of all for the tragedy of the lives cut off so cruelly. Terrible news,’ she said.Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said it was a ‘tragic and deeply distressing’ incident.‘My thoughts are with the victims,their relatives and the local community in Fermanagh.‘I would urge the public not to speculate and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation.’
