Police confirm all victims from same household in Maguiresbridge tragedy
A third person has died following a shooting incident in County Fermanagh, police have confirmed, bringing the death toll to three after one of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries on Wednesday afternoon.
Two people were killed in the shooting on Wednesday morning in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge, with a third person who was seriously injured dying later in hospital. A fourth person remains seriously injured. Police confirmed all victims were from the same household.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has cordoned off the scene in the village, located about 75 miles (120km) southwest of Belfast. A spokesperson said: “We can advise there is no ongoing risk to the public.”
Emergency Response
Emergency services were called to the shooting at 8:21am on Wednesday, according to the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service. A major emergency response was launched, including multiple ambulances and the air ambulance service.
Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, whilst another was taken by road ambulance to South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed: “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.”
Investigation Continues
Police have not disclosed any motive behind the shooting. The Drummeer Road remains closed as forensic teams examine the scene, with police warning of potential delays on alternative routes including the A4 Belfast Road.
The PSNI has not indicated whether they are seeking anyone in connection with the incident, and no arrests have been made. Sources suggest the incident is being treated as isolated, though investigations remain at an early stage.
The fact that all victims were from the same household has raised questions about the nature of the incident, though police have urged the public not to speculate whilst their investigation continues.
Political Response
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn described the news as “tragic and deeply distressing. In a statement, he said: “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.”
Sinn Féin MP Pat Cullen expressed her deep shock over the shooting, saying: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill had earlier said she was “absolutely heartbroken” by the news. Writing on social media, she expressed confidence that “the community will come together and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.”
Community in Shock
Former DUP leader Arlene Foster, who is from nearby Brookeborough, described the incident as “absolutely devastating” and unexpected in what she called “a very sleepy little village in Fermanagh.
“I just feel so sorry for everybody that has been impacted by what seems to be an absolutely horrific tragedy,” Foster said. “Obviously those involved will need a lot of support in the coming days and I am sure the community in Fermanagh will give that to them.”
DUP MLA Deborah Erskine said the incident had “stunned the entire community”, noting that the area where it happened is “rural and quiet” and that “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,” she added.
Rural Village Devastated
Maguiresbridge is a small village in County Fermanagh with a population of approximately 1,000 people. The village, named after a bridge over the Colebrooke River first built by the local Maguire family around 1760, lies about 8 miles from Enniskillen and 3 miles from Lisnaskea.
The rural community is known for its peaceful, close-knit nature, with residents primarily engaged in agricultural activities. The village has several churches and local amenities serving the surrounding farming community.
UUP MLA for Fermanagh and South Tyrone Diana Armstrong said her thoughts were “with the families of those affected and with everyone in this rural local community as they come to terms with this tragedy.”
Support for Families
As the community reels from the shock of losing three members of the same household, local leaders have called for privacy and support for the bereaved families.
Multiple political representatives have urged the public to refrain from speculation about the circumstances of the shooting whilst police conduct their investigation. The focus, they say, should be on supporting those affected by the tragedy.
Emergency services personnel, including police officers and paramedics who attended the scene, have been praised for their professionalism in dealing with what sources describe as a particularly distressing incident.
The PSNI has said a further update will be provided “in due course” as their investigation progresses. The tragedy represents one of the worst incidents of its kind in County Fermanagh in recent years, leaving a normally peaceful rural community grappling with profound loss.
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