Belfast, July 25, (PA Media/dpa/GNA) – Two children and a woman have died in a shooting in County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland, police have confirmed.
A fourth person, a man, remains in a serious condition in hospital.
Superintendent Robert McGowan, confirmed that all four people suffered gun shot wounds.
Police said the incident happened in the Drummeer Road area of the village of Maguiresbridge, and officers were at the scene which had been cordoned
off.
Speaking in the county town of Enniskillen, Superintendent McGowan said two people were pronounced dead at the scene, while a third person died in
hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said they received a 999 call at 8:21 am (0721 GMT) on Wednesday, and dispatched three emergency
ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene.
Superintendent McGowan said: “Earlier this morning, police received a report of an incident in Maguiresbridge.
“Officers, along with their colleagues in the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, attended a house in the Drummeer Road area.
“Tragically, despite best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene. Sadly, I can confirm that a third person has this afternoon
passed away in hospital.
“The fourth person, who was taken to hospital, remains in a condition described as serious.
“All four had sustained gun shot wounds, and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.
“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.
“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.”
British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said: “The news from Maguiresbridge is tragic and deeply distressing.
“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.”
GNA