The suspect was detained at the scene of the suspected arson attack in the Derrylin area and taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen for treatment where he remains today under police guard.

Police and two fire crews from Lisnaskea and one from Enniskillen attended the scene at 57 Molly Road in Doon just after 7am yesterday where they found a very serious and well-developed fire at the detached hillside bungalow. Local man Tom Fee who owns the rented property had attempted to rescue the occupants by breaking down doors and windows with a sledgehammer but was beaten back by the smoke and flames.

“I was joined by a couple of neighbours. We broke down two windows and a door but there was too much smoke and the slates were falling. It was too dangerous and beat us out. I’m still in a state of shock and can’t imagine what these people went through in this intense fire – it was ferocious.”

Those killed were a mother and her two children originally from Doncaster in England who had previously lived in Tralee in Kerry before moving to Fermanagh around 12 months ago. They have been named locally as Crystal Gossett, her 16-year-old son Edward and daughter Diane (19) while a fourth victim, Diane’s young daughter, is also feared to have perished. 

Detectives from the PSNI’s Serious Crime branch are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire which they say was started deliberately.

Speaking at a press briefing at Enniskillen PSNI Station this lunchtime, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Peter McKenna said the ferocious fire has left a very complex crime scene.

“At this stage we are still working intensively to establish how many victims were involved in this appalling incident. This will take a number of days due to the structural damage caused by the fire which is further compounded by the severe weather that is forecast. The specialist officers will ensure that the bodies of all persons identified are recovered in a dignified manner. Post mortem examinations will then follow and this will assist me in confirming the identity of the victims.”