A mother and her two children – a son and a daughter – have been shot dead in a devastating incident in Northern Ireland.
A fourth individual, a man, remains in serious condition in the hospital.
Police have confirmed that all four victims suffered gunshot wounds during the incident, which occurred in the Drummer Road area of Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh. A murder investigation has been launched.
Superintendent Robert McGowan, speaking in Enniskillen, stated that officers and emergency services were called to the scene around 8:21am on Wednesday morning. Two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died later in hospital.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) responded swiftly, dispatching three emergency ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers, and an ambulance doctor.
Supt McGowan said: “Earlier this morning, police received a report of an incident in Maguiresbridge. Officers and NIAS colleagues attended a house on Drummeer Road. Tragically, despite best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a third passed away in hospital this afternoon. The fourth person remains in serious condition.”
All four victims are believed to be members of the same household.
Expressing condolences, Supt McGowan added: “I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and loved ones affected by this unimaginable tragedy. This is a quiet rural area, and the shock and sadness will be felt deeply across the community. Detectives are working at pace to establish the full circumstances surrounding this horrific event.”
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Hilary Benn described the incident as tragic and deeply distressing, urging the public to avoid speculation while police investigations continue.
Local MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Pat Cullen, echoed the call for calm:
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I am in contact with police and urged people not to speculate as officers carry out their work. A number of road closures remain in place around Maguiresbridge.”
A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokesperson confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the public, and further updates will be issued in due course.
