PSNI investigating reports of fourth fatality in Co Fermanagh house fire
It is believed three others confirmed dead were all members of the same family.
Last updated 28th Feb 2018
A man has been arrested after three people, believed to be from the one family, were killed in a house fire in the Fermanagh village of Derrylin on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old was arrested at the scene and transferred to hospital for treatment, police have said.
Police said they are investigating reports of a fourth death.
The PSNI were called to an address in the Molly Road area of the village at around 7.20am.
Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “Sadly we can confirm that three people have lost their lives in this fire.
"Emergency services remain at the scene and are carrying out an extensive examination of the property to establish the cause of the blaze and determine if any other persons have been involved.
"I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and who may have seen anything that could assist the officers investigating this incident to please get in touch by calling 101."
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service sent three fire appliances to the scene.
The service tweeted: "We received a call at 7.14am this morning to a house fire in Doon Road, Derrylin, Co. Fermanagh. Firefighters dealt with a well-developed fire in a detached bungalow. 3 Fire Appliances attended the incident. The fire is now extinguished and NIFRS remains at the scene."
DUP leader Arlene Foster has expressed shock at the deaths.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone MLA said, “This is devastating news for the local community and there is widespread shock in the area.
"I understand that all those who have died are members of the same family.
"It is important that the cause of the fire is established but my thoughts and prayers are with all those in the local area, friends and the wider family circle as they struggle to come to terms with this terrible tragedy."
Ulster Unionist MLA Rosemary Barton has said there will be widespread sadness at the deaths.
The Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative said: “This is a close knit community and there will be a huge sense of loss felt within the community, but particularly to the family concerned.
“I’m sure the community will rally round to assist the bereaved who will be devastated.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and wider community.
"I understand that family are originally from England, have come to live in the area and they have been here for some time. But they seem to keep themselves to themselves, a very quiet family, I understand. "
Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein MP for the area, also offered her condolences.
"Devastating news for the family concerned and the Derrylin community. This is absolutely tragic, God help them all,'' she said