Vigil for murdered mother and children in Fermanagh tonight

A local community group has also opened a book of condolence in James and Sara Rutledge's former primary school

A VIGIL for Vanessa Whyte and her two children is planned for tonight in the Co. Fermanagh village of Maguiresbridge where they lived and died.

And, the local primary school Vanessa’s son and daughter attended when they were younger has opened a book of condolence in their memory.

Vanessa Whyte (45), her son, James, (14) and daughter, Sara, (13) all died on Wednesday following a shooting incident at their home.

A fourth family member is currently being treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for serious gunshot wounds.

James and Sara’s former school, Maguiresbridge Primary School, opened a book of condolence a short time ago at 11am.

It is being coordinated by The Village Rural Development Association.

An online post from the community group says “in light of yesterday’s tragedy” the group “feel it is important that our close knit community have an opportunity to come together and support each other at this difficult time”.

The book of condolence in the school hall will be opened until 9pm tonight and again tomorrow, Saturday, from 11am until 5pm.

Meanwhile, the Maguiresbridge Village Rural Development Association has also organised a vigil in the grounds of Maguiresbridge Primary School for 7pm this evening (Friday) and says “Everyone welcome”.

“This is an opportunity for our village to stand together in the face of such grief,” the group’s online post says.

Meanwhile, PSNI in Fermanagh have opened a triple murder enquiry into the deaths of the mother and two children and say they are not looking for anyone outside their immediate family in connection with the incident.