Vigil held for murdered mother and two children

A wide view of mourners attending the vigil at Maguiresbridge Primary School on Friday evening. Dozens of people of varying ages are standing with their backs to the camera, listening to speeches. A number of women and girls at the front of the photo have their arms around each other in a gesture of comfort.

Some mourners embraced as they listened to speeches during the vigil at Maguiresbridge Primary School on Friday evening

Bernie Allen
BBC News NI

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."

Anita has shoulder-length blonde hair. She is wearing a black zip up jacket.

Anita McLarkey attended a vigil for the family on Friday night

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.

Linda, left, is wearing dark sunglasses. She is wearing a blue and white striped shirt and has shoulder-length brown hair. Jessie, right, is looking at the camera. She has a blonde bob hairstyle and is holding a bunch of pink and green flowers in a pink wrapping.

Linda Nelson and Jessie Robinson brought flowers to the vigil

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.

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