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A woman and two children who died in a shooting in Co Fermanagh are understood to be a mother and her son and daughter.

The mother is aged in her 40s, but the ages of her two children have not yet been confirmed.

A fourth person, a man, is in a serious condition in hospital.

The PSNI have launched a murder investigation after the incident on the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning.

Police confirmed all people involved sustained gunshot wounds and are from the same household.

They are probing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry.

Police said no arrests have been made but earlier advised there is no ongoing risk to the public.

Two people died at the scene while a third person died on Wednesday afternoon at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH).

PSNI Superintendent Robert McGowan, District Commander for Fermanagh and Omagh, said: “Officers, along with our colleagues in the Northern Ambulance Service, attended a house in the Drummeer Road area.

“Tragically, despite best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Sadly, I can confirm that a third person has, this afternoon, passed away in hospital.“A fourth person who was taken to hospital remains in a condition described as serious.

“All four had sustained gunshot wounds, and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.

“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.”

Superintendent McGowan continued: “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.”

Superintendent McGowan said the incident was ongoing when police arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning.

“It just happened prior to police attending, so, as you can appreciate, it’s a very harrowing scene for all involved,” he told reporters.

“So, not only police officers, but colleagues in the ambulance service, and family members. Without going into detail, it’s a very harrowing scene for anybody to attend.”

He added: “There is limited domestic history involving the people concerned and that is certainly one line of inquiry that the detectives will take forward.”

He said the alarm was raised by a phone call made from the house where the incident was taking place.

“I am keen first and foremost to express my sympathy to the family members and loved ones who are today left in total shock and who will struggle to come to terms with their unimaginable loss,” he added.

“Detectives have now commenced a murder investigation and are working at pace to determine the circumstances.

“This is a quiet rural location and I’m aware that this tragic event will have sent shockwaves of sadness throughout the community.”

Cordons in place at the scene on the Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge. Credit: Pacemaker

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed that they attended the incident on Wednesday morning.

Three ambulances, one emergency response unit and the Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Two people were taken to two hospitals.

A spokesperson for the NIAS said: “We received a 999 call at 08.21 on Wednesday morning to attend an incident at the Drummeer Road in Maguiresbridge.

“Three Emergency ambulances, one Rapid Response Paramedic, two Ambulance Officers and an Ambulance Doctor went to the scene. The Charity Air Ambulance was also sent to the incident.

“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken by Air Ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Belfast and another patient was taken to the South West Acute Hospital by ambulance.”

The local Gaelic football club said those who died in the tragedy were all “active and beloved” members of the club.

“St Mary’s Maguiresbridge GFC offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning,” it said in a statement on Facebook.

“We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols.

“We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.

First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “absolutely heartbroken” at the news.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the local community,” she said on the social media site X.

“I have no doubt that the people of Maguiresbridge will come together and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.”

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said it was “truly devastating” to hear of “this terrible and violent event”.

“My thoughts at this dreadful time are with the loved ones, family and friends, but most of all for the tragedy of the lives cut off so cruelly. Terrible news,” she said.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn said it was a “tragic and deeply distressing” incident.

“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.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long also urged against online speculation and appealed for privacy for the families and friends of those who had died.

In a joint statement, they commended the work of the first responders and emergency services.

“We are horrified and heartbroken to learn of the tragedy that has occurred in Maguiresbridge today,” they said.

“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 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 and Air Ambulance NI.

“Those who work in the front line 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.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine expressed her shock at the incident.

Mrs Erskine said: “The area of Maguiresbridge where this has happened is a rural, quiet area and everyone is deeply affected by what has happened.

“My deepest condolences are with the families of those who have been killed.”

Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen said her “thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time.”

Ms Cullen urged people “to not speculate on the details of this tragic and shocking incident.”

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Two children and a woman have now been confirmed dead and a man remains seriously injured in hospital following a shooting incident in Co Fermanagh.

The tragedy happened in Maguiresbridge and the Drummeer Road is currently closed, with police at the scene.

Speaking at a police press conference in Enniskillen on Wednesday afternoon, a PSNI spokesperson confirmed that a third person had now died following the firearm incident and that all four are from the same household.

The woman is said to be in her 40s, and the children a boy and a girl.

Superintendent Robert McGowan, District Commander for Fermanagh and Omagh, said: “Earlier this morning, Wednesday 23 July, police received the report of an incident in Maguiresbridge.

“Officers, along with our colleagues in the Northern Ambulance Service, attended a house in the Drummeer Road area. Tragically, despite best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene.

“Sadly, I can confirm that a third person has, this afternoon, passed away in hospital. A fourth person who was taken to hospital remains in a condition described as serious. All four had sustained gunshot wounds, and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.”

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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.

Mother and two children killed in Fermanagh shooting, BBC understands

2 hours ago Share Save Abigail Taylor BBC News NI Catherine Doyle BBC News NI Reporting from Reporting from Maguiresbridge Share Save

Pacemaker Police cordened off Drummeer Road, close to the scene of the fatal shooting

A woman in her 40s and two children, one boy and one girl, have been killed in a shooting in County Fermanagh. BBC News NI understands that the victims of the gun attack in Maguiresbridge were a mother and her two children. A man – who is a member of the same household – is being treated for serious injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. The district police commander told reporters the investigation was at an early stage, but a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide “would be one line of inquiry”.

Supt Robert McGowan told a press conference that the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has started a murder investigation and are “working at pace” to determine the circumstances. He confirmed that two of the victims were declared dead at the scene on Wednesday morning and a third died later in hospital. All three people died from gunshot wounds and the injured man in hospital has also sustained gunshot wounds. Supt McGowan told reporters that the PSNI received a call at 07:50 BST on Wednesday morning and officers from Enniskillen PSNI station went to the scene. “The alarm was raised, I believe, by a phone call made from the house,” he said.

‘Harrowing scene’ for first responders

Supt Robert McGowan confirmed the PSNI has launched a murder investigation

Supt McGowan said it was a “harrowing scene for all involved,” not only for police officers who attended, but also for ambulance service workers and family members. “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,” he said. He explained the shooting happened “just happened prior to police attending” and PSNI officers worked with ambulance staff to administer first aid. Earlier, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a call at 08:21 BST on Wednesday and sent three vehicles and the air ambulance to the scene. Supt McGowan told reporters that no arrests have been made so far and “it is not anticipated that they will be made”. The officer said the suspect had a “limited footprint” with police and there was a “limited domestic history” involving the people concerned. He added he was “aware that this tragic event will have sent waves of sadness throughout the community” and he reassured residents that a police presence would remain in the area.

Alan Lewis Police described the scene as “harrowing” for emergency responders

In a statement, St Mary’s Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club said the people who died were all “active and beloved” members of its club. “We offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning,” it said. “We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.”

A statement from a Church of Ireland’s Clogher Diocese said “the whole community has been shocked and saddened following the tragic shooting incident”. “Our church community will be supporting family members in the difficult days that lie ahead and ask the public to respect their privacy at this time,” said Dean Kenneth Hall.

The Drumeer Road outside Maguiresbridge is a quiet rural area. The road has been closed from early this morning with a stationary police car blocking those approaching. A large media presence has gathered at the police tape as officers carry out work at the scene.

‘It’s a terrible shock’

Local people say they are devasted by the news

Ken Hutchinson, who lives in the area, said “it’s a shock for the whole community”. He said he was thinking of the immediate family of the victims. He said Maguiresbridge is a community where “everyone mixes well” and “this is a complete contrast to the normal goings on in this place”. “It’s a terrible shock,” he added. He said it’s a “tragedy” and “unbelievable” that children have been killed.

Margaret Erwin, who also lives in the community, says “it’s heartbreaking to hear”. She something like this is devastating “no matter where it happens, but to be on your doorstep, is particularly sad.” “To be aware of the friends of other friends of the children involved, it just brings it closer to home and makes it more real for us”. “You’re not out of the woods in a rural area,” she added.

Democratic Unionist Party assembly member Deborah Erskine urged people not to speculate about the incident, while “police carry out their work”. “This is truly shocking and has stunned the entire community,” she added. “The area of Maguiresbridge where this has happened is a rural, quiet area and everyone is deeply affected by what has happened this morning.” Erskine said the incident is “unimaginable”. She said: “Things like this are very rare, they don’t happen in this part of the world, it is a close knit community.” Erskine said the incident has “caused widespread shock, not just in Maguiresbridge, but right across Fermanagh”.

DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said the community is in shock

“This is a small rural area, this road is a very rural road, things like this are completely unexpected in this part of the world. “The foremost in all in all of our thoughts will be with the family and what they have had to deal with today,” Erskine told BBC News NI. Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen said her “thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time”. She said: “I am thinking of their families and those wee children’s school friends and how it must feel in a close knit community like this. “The community is heartbroken, as we are, and totally shocked at the news as any community would be.”

Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen said the community is “heartbroken”

Cullen also paid tribute to the paramedics who had to work under a “really tragic set of circumstances”. “They’re all human beings as well, it’s unimaginable how much this will impact on them,” Cullen told BBC News NI. Justice Minister Naomi Long said her “thoughts and sympathies are with those affected” following the “horrific incident”. She also asked people not to “speculate, online or elsewhere, as to the details surrounding it while it is being investigated”.

Maguiresbridge shootings: Local GAA club issue statement after three dead and murder probe launched

The PSNI has confirmed a woman and two children have died

PSNI forensic experts enter a property in Maguirebridge (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

Shockwaves have spread across Northern Ireland on Wednesday after the fatal shooting of three people in Co Fermanagh.

The tragedy happened in Maguiresbridge in the Drummeer Road area as emergency services were called to the scene before 8:30am on the morning on July 23.

The PSNI has confirmed a woman and two children have died, and it is understood to be a mother and her son and daughter.

Maguiresbridge victims include two children as police confirm murder probe READ MORE:

Maguiresbridge murder investigation as third person dies following shooting incident READ MORE:

The mother is aged in her 40s, but the ages of her two children have not yet been confirmed.

A fourth person, a man, is in a serious condition in hospital after the incident in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge. All four people are members of the same household and all four suffered gunshot wounds, police said.

A murder investigation has been launched and police are probing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry.

In a statement tonight, the local GAA club said: “St Mary’s Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning.

“We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association’s critical incident protocols.We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.

“The deceased were all active and beloved members of our club.We will not be making any further comment at this difficult time.”

PSNI Superintendent Robert McGowan, District Commander for Fermanagh and Omagh said they are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

PSNI at the scene on Wednesday (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they received a 999 call at 08:21 on Wednesday 23rd July, following reports of an incident in the Drummeer Road area, Maguiresbridge.

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, despite the best medical efforts of paramedics, with two people being taken to hospital.

Police confirmed that a third person died in hospital due to their injuries at a press conference this afternoon at Enniskillen Police Station – PSNI said they were a woman in her 40s and a boy and girl, believed to be a mother and her two children.

Superintendent McGowan said at the press conference: “A fourth person who was taken to hospital remains in a condition described as serious. “All four had sustained gunshot wounds, and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.”

With the scene for emergency services attending described as “harrowing”, a member of the media asked if the incident is being treated as a triple murder and attempted suicide and Superintendent McGowan confirmed that it is a “line of inquiry”.

He also confirmed the surviving person is an adult male.

Superintendent McGowan added that it is “not anticipated at this stage that any arrests will be made” and that the suspect had a “limited footprint with police”.

No previous issues, domestic or otherwise, are said to have been reported to the police in regards to the people involved.

The most updated statement from police reads: “Earlier this morning, Wednesday 23 July, police received the report of an incident in Maguiresbridge.

“Officers, along with our colleagues in the Northern Ambulance Service, attended a house in the Drummeer Road area. Tragically, despite the best medical efforts, two people were pronounced dead at the scene. “Sadly, I can confirm that a third person has, this afternoon, passed away in hospital. “A fourth person who was taken to hospital remains in a condition described as serious. “All four had sustained gunshot wounds, and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household.

‌

Superintendent Robert McGowan speaking to the media at Enniskillen police station (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)

“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. “In the meantime, I would ask anyone with information, CCTV footage or dashcam footage to contact us on 101, quoting reference 276 of 23/07/25. “A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport”Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

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