A mother and her two children who were found dead have been named as a police investigation into their deaths continues. Vanessa Whyte, a veterinary surgeon originally from County Clare, died alongside her son James and daughter Sara following a shooting in County Fermanagh.
The family were discovered at a property in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning. A fourth person, a man who is also a member of the same household, remains in a serious condition in hospital after suffering gunshot wounds.
Murder investigation launched
Police have launched a murder investigation and are pursuing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry. All four people suffered gunshot wounds in the incident, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Emergency services responded to reports of the shooting on Wednesday morning. The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Community pays tribute
St Patricks Lisbellaw Hurling Club said all three family members were "active and beloved members of our club and will be desperately missed". The GAA club confirmed they are working with the association at county, provincial and national levels to implement critical incident protocols.
The club said they will work closely with appropriate services to ensure those who require support during this difficult time can access it. The local community has been left shocked by the tragedy that has affected a well-known family in the area.
Political leaders express shock
First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly expressed their shock at the tragedy in a joint statement on Wednesday. They said they were "deeply saddened by the events which have unfolded in Maguiresbridge this morning".
The political leaders extended their thoughts to the loved ones of the victims and their families, as well as the wider community. They also paid tribute to the emergency services who responded to the incident, saying: "We want to pay tribute to and thank our emergency services who responded to the incident."
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
