Northern Ireland shooting mum and children named after all three die

The victims of what police are investigating as a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide have been named.

Vanessa Whyte and her two children James and Sara were killed following a shooting in "quiet and rural" village Maguiresbridge, in Co Fermanagh, near Belfast, Ireland. Emergency services raced to the scene on Wednesday morning following reports of shots being fired. A man remains seriously injured, and is being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Superintendent Robert McGowan said: "We are treating the case as a possible triple murder and attempted suicide." It has been reported that investigators are also examining whether mental health played a part in the tragedy.

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The children and their mother, a volunteer sports coach who worked as veterinary surgeon, were ‘active and beloved’ members of a Gaelic football club, and Lisbellaw St. Patrick’s Hurling Club.

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.”

UUP politician Diana Armstrong said the local community had been left in shock following the tragedy. She added: "Heartbreaking and distressing news from Maguiresbridge this morning. The loss of life and the serious injuries reported have shocked the local community.

"My office has been in contact with the PSNI this morning and we are continuing to monitor the situation closely. The Emergency services acted swiftly and professionally. My thoughts are with the families of those affected and with everyone in this rural local community as they come to terms with this tragedy. I ask that the public allow space for the investigation to proceed and respect the privacy of those involved at this difficult time".

Speaking at a press conference in the aftermath of the shooting, Superintendent McGowan said: “I am keen to, first and foremost, express my sympathy to family members and loved ones who are today left in total shock, and who will inevitably be struggling to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.

"The police service has now commenced a murder investigation and detectives are working at pace to determine the circumstances. This is a quiet, rural location and I am aware that this tragic event will have sent waves of sadness throughout the community. Please be assured that you will see a continued police presence in the area, as we continue to carry out our enquiries.

“Our enquiries are at an early stage, and I would appeal for patience as we work to understand the events that have taken place. We will continue to bring updates as our investigation continues.”

A spokesperson for St Patrick's Hurling Club said: "We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of all those impacted by the tragic incident this morning in Maguiresbridge. We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols.

"We will also work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it. Details of this will be shared in due course. All three were active and beloved members of our club and will be desperately missed."