Latest news with #RobertMcGowan
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Woman and two children shot dead in horror attack
A woman and two children killed in a shooting in Northern Ireland are understood to be a mother, son and daughter, according to PA. The tragic incident took place on Wednesday morning (July 23) in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service confirming it received a 999 call at 8.21am. Police superintendent Robert McGowan confirmed that officers attended a house in the Drummeer Road area. READ MORE: The 10 best mobile games you can play for free - and number 1 will surprise you READ MORE: 5 retro RPGs you can play right now guaranteed to make you feel like a kid again - you won't have heard of one of them Speaking later on Wednesday, Mr McGowan said: '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. 'The 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.' Mr 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.' Speaking at the scene, local MP Pat Cullen said she was 'shocked to the core' and 'heartbroken' at the incident. 'It's such a tragedy to hear that a mother and two wee children have lost their lives here today, and another person seriously injured,' the Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative told PA. 'It's just devastating news, devastating for the people of Maguiresbridge, a really close-knit community that I have got to know so well over the last year, just people that are the salt of the earth. 'I'm also thinking of all the wee school friends of those two wee children and what that must feel like for all of them and how the next few days and weeks will be for everyone, particularly just at the beginning of the school holidays.' She added: 'I think out of respect for the families alone it is so important that we give space now to the police to carry out their investigation. 'Speculation doesn't get us anywhere, it's time now to come together and wrap ourselves around this community and give them all the care and attention that they need and deserve.' Local MLA Deborah Erskine said there was 'a deep sense of shock and distress' in the 'close-knit, quiet, rural' community. 'I know having spoken to people within the community today, they are shocked, but the foremost thoughts are with the family,' she said at the scene. 'This family has had their lives completely and utterly turned upside down within a matter of hours today.' 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 said: 'We are horrified and heartbroken to learn of the tragedy that has occurred in Maguiresbridge today. '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. 'We wish to commend the work of first responders and the emergency services. Those who work in the front line 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.'
Irish Times
7 days ago
- Irish Times
‘I'm lost for what to say': Fermanagh village in shock after three killed in house
It is the most beautiful of rural roads, quiet and tree-lined. The only sounds are the barking of a dog and the voices of television correspondents filing their reports for the evening news. It was here, in a large, detached house around a mile outside the village of Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh , that the 'very harrowing' events of Wednesday morning happened. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it received a call from inside the property at about 7.50am. When they arrived, two people were dead and two others seriously injured. They were all members of the same family and all had sustained gunshot wounds. One of the injured died in hospital in Enniskillen on Wednesday afternoon. It is understood the victims were two children and their mother, who was in her 40s. READ MORE The other individual, an adult male, remains in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast . A murder investigation has been launched and one line of inquiry is that this was a triple murder and an attempted suicide. The names of the victims have not yet been released and, speaking to reporters at a press conference in Enniskillen PSNI station, local police commander Robert McGowan said not all family members had been briefed. He said: 'This tragic event will have sent shockwaves of sadness through the community.' The local GAA club, St Mary's Maguiresbridge, offered 'heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by this tragic incident which happened in our community'. It said the victims were 'active and beloved members' of the club. Dean Kenneth Hall, bishop's commissary in the diocese of Clogher, said 'the whole community has been shocked and saddened . . . we ask that the family circle of those affected will be kept in our thoughts and prayers'. Elected representatives from both sides of the political divide also expressed their condolences. MP for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, Sinn Féin's Pat Cullen, spent much of the day in the village. Similarly, DUP Assembly member Deborah Erskine was present for much of the day there. On Wednesday evening, forensic officers in white suits could be seen examining a car parked across the road and another in the garden of the property on Drummeer Road. The road remained closed, with tape and a police car acting as a blockade. A number of uniformed police officers were present at the scene. Many locals were reluctant to speak about what happened, with some saying they found it difficult to express the feeling of shock and sadness in the village. 'It's so sad, just so sad,' said one woman. 'Such tragic circumstances – it's the kind of thing you never think could happen.' 'Everyone is saying the same thing, that they're shocked but don't really know what else to say,' said Daniel, a local man. 'It's a strange feeling, like nobody really knows how to feel. 'I've spoken to enough people about this today, I'm lost for what to say any more. Every shop you go into, people are talking about it.' Another man said: 'I'm just shocked. What else can you say? It's just an awful tragedy.'
Leader Live
7 days ago
- Leader Live
Mother and two children killed in shooting while man remains in hospital
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. Superintendent Robert McGowan said that the suspect has a 'limited footprint' with police. Speaking in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Mr McGowan said that two people were pronounced dead at the scene and a third person died in hospital. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 8.21am on Wednesday and dispatched three emergency ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene. Mr McGowan said: 'Earlier this morning, police received a report of an incident in Maguiresbridge. 'Officers, along with their colleagues in the Northern Ireland 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. 'The 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.' Mr 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.' 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.' Speaking at the scene, local MP Pat Cullen said she was 'shocked to the core' and 'heartbroken' at the incident. 'It's such a tragedy to hear that a mother and two wee children have lost their lives here today, and another person seriously injured,' the Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative told PA. 'It's just devastating news, devastating for the people of Maguiresbridge, a really close-knit community that I have got to know so well over the last year, just people that are the salt of the earth. 'I'm also thinking of all the wee school friends of those two wee children and what that must feel like for all of them and how the next few days and weeks will be for everyone, particularly just at the beginning of the school holidays.' She added: 'I think out of respect for the families alone it is so important that we give space now to the police to carry out their investigation. 'Speculation doesn't get us anywhere, it's time now to come together and wrap ourselves around this community and give them all the care and attention that they need and deserve.' Local MLA Deborah Erskine said there was 'a deep sense of shock and distress' in the 'close-knit, quiet, rural' community. 'I know having spoken to people within the community today, they are shocked, but the foremost thoughts are with the family,' she said at the scene. 'This family has had their lives completely and utterly turned upside down within a matter of hours today.' Northern Ireland 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. My thoughts and sympathies are with those affected in Maguiresbridge following this morning's horrific incident. Can I please ask people don't speculate, online or elsewhere, as to the details surrounding it while it is being investigated. — Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) July 23, 2025 '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.'
South Wales Guardian
7 days ago
- South Wales Guardian
Mother and two children killed in shooting while man remains in hospital
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. Superintendent Robert McGowan said that the suspect has a 'limited footprint' with police. Speaking in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, Mr McGowan said that two people were pronounced dead at the scene and a third person died in hospital. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 8.21am on Wednesday and dispatched three emergency ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene. Mr McGowan said: 'Earlier this morning, police received a report of an incident in Maguiresbridge. 'Officers, along with their colleagues in the Northern Ireland 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. 'The 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.' Mr 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.' 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.' Speaking at the scene, local MP Pat Cullen said she was 'shocked to the core' and 'heartbroken' at the incident. 'It's such a tragedy to hear that a mother and two wee children have lost their lives here today, and another person seriously injured,' the Fermanagh and South Tyrone representative told PA. 'It's just devastating news, devastating for the people of Maguiresbridge, a really close-knit community that I have got to know so well over the last year, just people that are the salt of the earth. 'I'm also thinking of all the wee school friends of those two wee children and what that must feel like for all of them and how the next few days and weeks will be for everyone, particularly just at the beginning of the school holidays.' She added: 'I think out of respect for the families alone it is so important that we give space now to the police to carry out their investigation. 'Speculation doesn't get us anywhere, it's time now to come together and wrap ourselves around this community and give them all the care and attention that they need and deserve.' Local MLA Deborah Erskine said there was 'a deep sense of shock and distress' in the 'close-knit, quiet, rural' community. 'I know having spoken to people within the community today, they are shocked, but the foremost thoughts are with the family,' she said at the scene. 'This family has had their lives completely and utterly turned upside down within a matter of hours today.' Northern Ireland 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. My thoughts and sympathies are with those affected in Maguiresbridge following this morning's horrific incident. Can I please ask people don't speculate, online or elsewhere, as to the details surrounding it while it is being investigated. — Naomi Long MLA (@naomi_long) July 23, 2025 '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.'
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Daily Mail
Police are probing triple murder and attempted suicide theory after woman and two children shot dead in Northern Ireland
Police are pursuing a triple murder and attempted suicide as a line of inquiry after two children and a woman died in a shooting incident. The tragic deaths of the woman and children - all form the same household - occured in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland on Wednesday where a man has also been left with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital following the incident in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge. Police were called to the scene as it unfolded - with a top cop describing what his officers encountered as 'harrowing'. Three ambulances and an air ambulance were called to the scene at about 8.20am today, where a woman and one of the children were pronounced dead. An individual was airlifted by air ambulance to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast while another was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said on Wednesday afternoon that one of those taken to hospital - another child - had also since succumbed to their injuries. One of the children was a boy and the other a girl. Superintendent Robert McGowan, district commander for Fermanagh and Omagh, confirmed that all four individuals had suffered gunshot wounds and were from the same family. Their ages have not been released. He confirmed that a murder probe was underway, with detectives working 'at pace' to establish the full circumstances of the tragedy. A triple-murder and attempted suicide is being pursued as a line of inquiry. Police earlier said there was no danger posed to the wider public in the aftermath of the incident, which has shocked the rural community just a few miles north of the UK-Ireland border. '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,' Supt McGowan said. '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. 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.' Anyone with information or CCTV footage is asked to contact PSNI on 101, quoting reference 276 of 23/07/25. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it received a 999 call at 8.21am and dispatched three emergency ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor to the scene. Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill said: 'I'm absolutely heartbroken by the news from Maguiresbridge today. My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and the local community. 'I have no doubt that the people of Maguiresbridge will come together and support one another through this incredibly difficult time.' Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Pat Cullen expressed her deep shock, saying: 'Firstly my thoughts are with the victims and their families at this tragic time. The Sinn Fein representative added: '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.' Deborah Erskine, a Democratic Unionist Party assembly member for Fermanagh and South Tyrone, said the incident 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,' she added. '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.'
