Police in Northern Ireland have said that three people, including two children, were killed in a shooting in Fermanagh earlier today.
In an update this afternoon, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said that all of the deceased were from the same household, and that a murder investigation has been launched.
During a press conference discussing the shooting near Maquiresbridge, police said that the survivor is a male adult, and that there is a “limited domestic history” involving the individuals concerned.
Police also said that the suspect had a “limited footprint” with police, and that police are in the early stages of their investigation.
Supt Robert McGowan told the news conference: “It was very harrowing for all involved, not only for police, but colleagues in the ambulance service and family members.”
He also said that police were not at this time aware of the victims of suspect having been in contact with any mental health services. No arrests have yet been made, with Supt McGowan stating: “It’s not anticipated at this stage that any arrests will be made.”
Northern Ireland’s Health and Justice Ministers this evening issued a statement on the the fatal shooting in Fermanagh
“We are horrified and heartbroken to learn of the tragedy that has occurred in Maguiresbridge today,” the statement read.
“We send our deepest sympathies to the families affected and to the wider community in County Fermanagh. The shock of this terrible event is being felt by many people and we would urge those in need of support to reach out to services provided within the Health and Social Care system, and in the voluntary and community sector.
“We wish to commend the work of first responders and the emergency services, including the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, as well as staff from Western and Belfast Health and Social Care Trusts, the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and Air Ambulance NI.
“Those who work in the frontline of our emergency and health services are the best of us and we value their tremendous dedication and compassion at this most awful of times for families and the community. We would appeal for privacy for the families and friends of those who have died and would caution against speculation online as the PSNI continues its investigation.”