The victims of a shooting in Co Fermanagh are understood to be a mother and her two children.
Three people – a woman in her 40s and a boy and a girl – died in the attack at their home on Drummeer Road near Maguiresbridge on Wednesday.
A fourth individual, an adult male, is in a serious condition in hospital in Belfast.
A murder investigation has been launched, and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said one line of inquiry was a triple murder and attempted suicide.
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All four were members of the same household and suffered gunshot wounds, the police said.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, local PSNI commander Robert McGowan said the investigation was at an early stage and “no arrests will be made at the minute”.
He said there was a “limited domestic history involving the people concerned and that is certainly one line of inquiry detectives will take forward”.
Supt McGowan said an emergency phone call was made to police from inside the house on Wednesday morning, and the incident was “still ongoing” when they arrived at about 7.50am.
The woman and one child were pronounced dead at the scene, while the other child died later in hospital.
The police chief said the incident “just happened prior to police attending so ... it [was] a very harrowing scene for all involved”.
The local Gaelic football club, St Mary’s Maguiresbridge, said the victims were “active and beloved” members and it was working with the GAA and relevant services “to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.”
A number of political representatives expressed their shock at the tragedy and sent their condolences to bereaved relatives and friends.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill said she was “absolutely heartbroken” but had “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” and her thoughts were with loved ones, family and friends, “but most of all for the tragedy of the lives cut off so cruelly”.
The Northern Secretary, Hilary Benn, expressed his condolences at the “tragic and deeply distressing” incident and asked people “not to speculate and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation”.
The North’s minister for health, Mike Nesbitt, and minister for justice, Naomi Long, also appealed for privacy for the family and friends of the victims and urged against online speculation.
They praised the work of first responders and the emergency services and said those in need of support should reach out to the available services.
