A County Clare village is said to be devastated, following the tragic death of a mother and her two children in a shooting incident in Fermanagh.
45 year-old Vanessa Whyte from Barefield and her children Sara and James Rutledge, who were aged 13 and 14, died following the incident at a house in Maguiresbridge yesterday.
A murder investigation is underway, following the incident at a house on the Drummeer Road yesterday morning.
Emergency services were alerted after a 999 call was placed from inside the house.
Vanessa Whyte was found dead alongside one of her children, while the second child later succumbed to their injuries at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
A man, who also suffered gunshot wounds, remains in a serious condition in hospital.
PSNI Superintendent Robert Magowan says they’re investigating a suspected murder and attempted suicide.
An Garda Síochána has been assisting the PSNI in liaising with family members in Clare.
Barefield native Vanessa Whyte, who attended secondary school at Coláiste Muire in Ennis, moved to Fermanagh several years ago.
The Veterinary Surgeon was employed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Enniskillen.
Both she and her two children Sara and James have been described as active members of two local GAA clubs; St Mary’s Gaelic Football Club in Maguiresbridge and St Patrick’s Hurling Club in Lisbellaw.
The Mayor of Ennis says those who knew her are devastated and in shock following news of the tragic incident.
Councillor Mary Howard believes the Barefield community will rally around their family in this time of unimaginable grief.
Listen to the full interview here
Anyone affected by this story can contact Samaritans on 116 123 or Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or text help to 51444.
