The father of one of the two young boys who drowned in a private swimming pool in Newry, Co Down, tried frantically to save their lives, it emerged this afternoon.
The children aged four and two died in the disused pool containing dirty rainwater after crawling through a gap in a fence into the grounds of a large house close to their homes in Ardaveen Mews, Dublin Road, Newry at around 5.30 p.m. yesterday.
The boys were named as David Brian Smith (2) and Shea Kieran Laverty (4). A third child who was with them, alerted the father of the two-year-old boy.
The distraught father jumped into the pool and managed with difficulty to get the two stricken children out. They were rushed to hospital where staff spent two hours trying in vain to resuscitate them.
Parish priest Fr Richard Naughton, who visited Daisy Hill Hospital last night, revealed that the four-year-old would have celebrated his fifth birthday next week. He described it as an "appalling tragedy".
"It is just so hard to be with any person who has lost a child. It is heartbreaking to see people who have loved their child and who have had this child taken away from them," he said.
Shocked neighbours in the new housing development near the Dublin Road said the families have only moved into the estate in the last few months.
The house where the two boys died was sealed off today. A fire engine was brought to the scene to drain the pool to allow forensic experts to carry out an examination.
Police have appointed liaison officers to work with the two families and are continuing their investigation into what happened.
Sinn Féin councillor Mr Davy Hyland said the people of the area had been stunned by the deaths. "It is a terrible tragedy. People are really shocked that two young children could have lost their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families," he added.
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA, Mr Dominic Bradley, said: "There are some events which are almost beyond words. All we can do is try to convey our feelings to those most closely affected by the tragedy.
"I know that the whole community will join with me in expressing our deepest sympathy to the parents and families involved."
Ulster Unionist Party Assembly member Mr Danny Kennedy said. "It is a very great tragedy. I offer my profound sympathies to the family.
"I have no doubt that the local community, who are shocked and stunned, will rally round to give whatever assistance they can," he added.