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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Rebecca Black

Suspect dies following Northern Ireland shooting

A fourth person has died following a shooting in Northern Ireland last week.

Police said Ian Rutledge, 43, died in hospital following the incident in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, on Wednesday.

Vanessa Whyte, 45, a vet originally from Co Clare, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, died earlier following the same incident.

A murder investigation was launched last week.

It is understood that Mr Rutledge, an agricultural contractor, is the only suspect in the shooting of his family.

On Monday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland said Mr Rutledge had been in hospital in a serious condition, and died that evening.

Forensic officers at the scene following the shooting (PA Wire)

“Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward,” the police spokesperson said.

The incident took place in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge

All four people were members of the same household and all four suffered gunshot wounds, police said.

Speaking at the time, detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said: “I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who had spoken to Vanessa, Sara or James over the last few weeks. If you are someone that Vanessa, Sara or James may have confided in, please come and speak to us.

“Any information, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem could prove crucial to our investigation.”

First Minister Michelle O'Neill and deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, on Wednesday, expressed their shock at the tragedy.

"We are deeply saddened by the events which have unfolded in Maguiresbridge this morning", they said in a joint statement.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and their families, and the wider community."We want to pay tribute to and thank our emergency services who responded to the incident."

Candles surround a photograph of shooting victims Vanessa Whyte, 45 and her children, James, 14, and Sara, 13 (PA Wire)

Victims to be farewelled

Those attending the funeral of Ms Whyte and her children in Barefield on Saturday have been asked to wear bright colours.

Funeral arrangements for the trio were announced in a social media post.

The post from the funeral directors said: “Vanessa was a devoted mother, a loving and beloved daughter and sister and a loving and beloved daughter-in-law and sister-in-law.”

It said James was a “much-loved son, brother, and grandson” and Sara “was a dearly loved daughter, sister, and granddaughter”.

A service of removal will take place in St Mary’s Church in Maguiresbridge on Wednesday morning.

The funeral Mass will be held in Barefield on Saturday before the three are buried together in Templemaley Cemetery.

People are asked to make donations to Women’s Aid.

A prayer service took place for the victims in Barefield on Sunday, following a community vigil in Maguiresbridge on Friday.

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