Tributes have been paid to veterinarian Vanessa Whyte and her two children, who were killed in a shooting in County Fermanagh on Wednesday. Police have launched a murder investigation and urged anyone who the family confided in to come forward.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, originally from County Clare, died alongside her 14-year-old son James and 13-year-old daughter Sara following the incident in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge. A fourth person, a man, remains in serious condition in hospital after suffering gunshot wounds.
Police investigate triple murder
All four people are members of the same household and suffered gunshot wounds, police confirmed. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said a triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry being pursued.
On Thursday, McGuinness appealed for anyone with information to contact police, "no matter how small or insignificant it may seem". He said he was particularly keen to hear from anyone who had spoken to Vanessa, Sara or James over recent weeks.
Department pays tribute to colleague
Police also issued an appeal on Thursday evening asking people to refrain from sharing misinformation, images or speculation on social media about the incident. They warned this could have a negative impact on the criminal justice process.
Katrina Godfrey, permanent secretary at the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), paid tribute to their colleague Whyte. She described the veterinarian as a valued member of their Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession.
School remembers pupils
Chief veterinary officer Brian Dooher said Whyte was a highly respected member of DAERA and a devoted mother and active community member. He said many colleagues had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally and she was hugely admired by all who came across her.
Enniskillen Royal Grammar School principal Elizabeth Armstrong paid tribute to James and Sara as "two vibrant and much valued" pupils. St Patrick's Lisbellaw Hurling Club said all three were "active and beloved members of our club and will be desperately missed".
First Minister expresses shock
The club said it was working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level to implement critical incident protocols. They will also work with appropriate services to ensure those requiring support can access it.
Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy said he was "deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic news". He assured the family and everyone affected by the tragedy of his prayers and the prayerful support of the wider community.
Community support urged
First Minister Michelle O'Neill said the shooting was one of those life moments that "really stop you in your tracks". Speaking at Coalisland alongside local Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen, she said as a mother and grandmother, she cannot imagine how the family are coping with their loss.
O'Neill urged young people who knew James and Sara to "reach out for support and help" and to talk to friends and family. She said hearts are sore right across the Maguiresbridge community and beyond.
Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said on social media that the incident was "horrific beyond words". She said her thoughts were with the family and friends of those who died and had their "lives cut off so cruelly".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
