Maguiresbridge: Three dead after a major shooting incident

Three people have died after a major shooting incident in Co Fermanagh early today (Wednesday).

Two children and a woman are dead.

Police said another is in hospital with serious injuries after the incident near Maguiresbridge.

Police confirmed all four people suffered gunshot wounds.

They said the three people who died are a woman in her 40s and two children - a boy and a girl.

On Wednesday afternoon a PSNI spokesperson 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.

“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.”

Police and emergency services are currently in attendance.

The Air Ambulance is also present.

In an earlier statement the PSNI said: "Police are currently at the scene of a shooting incident within the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge.

"We can confirm two people have died, and two people are being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

"We can advise there is no ongoing risk to the public.

"A further update will follow in due course."

The Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, is currently closed to road users.

In a statement, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 08:21 on Wednesday 23rd July, following reports of an incident in the Drummeer Road area, Maguiresbridge.

"NIAS dispatched 3 Emergency Ambulances, 1 Rapid Response Paramedic, 2 Ambulance Officers and an Ambulance Doctor to the incident. Ambulance control also tasked the Charity Air Ambulance, with HEMS team on board, to attend.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at scene, one patient has been taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast by Air Ambulance and another to South West Acute Hospital by Ambulance."

Sinn Féin Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen has expressed her deep shock.

"Firstly my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time," she said.

"I am in contact with the police around this ongoing situation.

"Police are currently at the scene of an incident outside Maguiresbridge and there are a number of road closures while they carry out their investigations.

"I would urge people to not speculate on the details of this tragic and shocking incident."

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Deborah Erskine has expressed her shock following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.

Mrs Erskine said, “This is truly shocking and has stunned the entire community. The area of Maguiresbridge where this has happened is a rural, quiet area and everyone is deeply affected by what has happened this morning.

"My deepest condolences are with the families of those who have been killed as a result of this incident. Their lives have been turned upside down this morning.

This morning I was speaking to Police dealing with the incident. I paid tribute to the emergency services at the scene. I also appeal for privacy to allow the PSNI to carry out their investigations.”