Northern Ireland

Child’s body found at scene of Co Fermanagh house fire

Police believe the fire at the farmhouse in Derrylin was started deliberately. Picture by Mal McCann
Police believe the fire at the farmhouse in Derrylin was started deliberately. Picture by Mal McCann Police believe the fire at the farmhouse in Derrylin was started deliberately. Picture by Mal McCann

POLICE have confirmed that the body of a young child had been found at the scene of the Derrylin house fire which claimed the lives of another three family members.

Detectives also revealed that a 27-year-old man who had been under police guard in hospital following his arrest at the scene of the blaze had been "moved to police custody for questioning".

The fire at the isolated Co Fermanagh bungalow broke out early on Tuesday morning. Police believe it was started deliberately.

The victims of the devastating blaze at Molly Road have not been named by police, but it is believed they were members of the same family.

They have been named locally as Crystal Gossett, her daughter Diane (19) and son Edward (16). The fourth victim is believed to be Diane's young daughter.

Specialist search and rescue teams continued to work at the house for a third day yesterday. Local people said police and fire service personnel have been working through the night at the scene.

In an update on the investigation yesterday, PSNI Detective Inspector Peter McKenna said another body had found at the property.

"It is with great sadness that I can now confirm that a fourth body has been found within the crime scene and that it appears to be the body of a young child," he said.

"Post mortem examinations will take place in order to positively identify the victims involved in this appalling incident.

"I believe the fire was started deliberately and we are working hard to progress the investigation into this very complex crime scene.

"There is significant structural damage caused by the ferocious fire and the scene examination is further compounded by the severe weather."

He added: "The 27-year-old man arrested by police at the scene had been under police guard in hospital but has now been moved to police custody for questioning".

The suspect, who has been named locally as Sam Quinn, is understood to have also lived at the Molly Road property.

While the family had been living in Derrylin for around a year, they were not well known to neighbours.

It is believed they were originally from Doncaster in England and lived in Tralee before moving to Derrylin, where they were renting the large bungalow.

Residents of the quiet village have told how they "kept themselves to themselves", but would have waved if they passed by.

Mr McKenna yesterday reiterated a police appeal for the public's assistance for information on the family.

"I would like to thank the public for their assistance so far and would appeal for anyone who knew of or has any knowledge of the residents of 57 Molly Road Doon, Derrylin to make contact with police."

Police have also appealed for anyone travelling through Derrylin between midnight and 7.20am on Tuesday to get in touch.