Belfast 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 died following a shooting in "quiet and rural" village Maguiresbridge, in Co Fermanagh, near Belfast, Ireland. The Ambulance service raced to the scene on Wednesday morning. 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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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".

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