Vigil held for murdered mother and two children

A vigil has been held in Maguiresbridge, County Fermanagh, for a mother and two children killed in a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide.

Vanessa Whyte, 45, her 13-year-old daughter Sara Rutledge and her 14-year-old son James Rutledge died after they were shot at their home in Wednesday.

The vigil was held at Maguiresbridge Primary School, where James and Sara were former pupils.

Earlier in the day a book of condolence was opened at the school.

Among mourners who attended was Anita McLarkey.

“I worked with the family at the primary school,” she told BBC News NI.

“James was just a great wee character, Sara was a quiet wee girl. They were inseparable. They were both super bright.”

Another local woman who attended, Lynn Bussel, said it was important to show support.

“I was born and bred in Maguiresbridge,” she said.

“It’s a very good cross community, it has shocked everyone in the village.”

Jessie Robinson said it was important to show love and support to the extended family.

“It’s important to show my respect,” she said.

The First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir were also in attendance, along with Ulster Unionist assembly member Diana Armstrong.

Ms Armstrong said: “Like everybody I want to show our support for the family and those most affected and the widespread community.”

DUP leader Gavin Robinson attended Maguiresbridge Primary School on Friday.

The stories he heard from people about Ms Whyte and her two children “just brings home how shocking, how tragic and how sorrowful this is”, he told reporters.