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Identity of tragic fire victims still not confirmed

 

The scene of the recent house fire outside Derrylin. Photo: Andrew Paton

 
POLICE in Fermanagh say they are continuing to work with HM Coroner to “definitively establish” the identities of all of the victims of last month’s fatal house fire in Derrylin
The PSNI have yet to release the names of the four victims who lost their lives in the blaze at the rented bungalow on Molly Road in the early hours of Tuesday, February 27th.
Police forensic teams spent several days at the site of the ferocious fire, trying to identify and recover the bodies of those killed in a dignified manner, given the structural damage caused and the severe weather. The isolated building, surrounded by farm outhouses and machinery, has been left as a shell following the collapse of its roof during the blaze while part of the gable wall and the chimney were later demolished for safety reasons. 
It wasn’t until three days afterwards that the bodies of the four deceased were driven away from the family home for the last time towards Belfast where post-mortems are being carried out. 
Those who died in the fire have been named locally as Crystal Gossett (44), her 16-year-old son Edward and daughter Diane (19) and Diane’s daughter Morgana, who was aged under two. The family are originally from Doncaster in England but had previously lived in Tralee in Kerry before moving to Fermanagh around 12 months ago. 
In a statement, PSNI Detective Inspector Peter McKenna told the Herald this week: “Police continue to work with HM Coroner to definitively establish the identities of all of the victims of this tragic incident. The process is long and complex.”
Forensics experts have finished their investigations at the scene and last week shocking new photographs emerged of the aftermath. Children’s toys and books are among the family’s belongings still lying in the rubble of the house. 
Daniel Allen (27) of Molly Road in Derrylin, appeared in court earlier this month charged with four counts of murder and arson with intent to endanger life. Allen was remanded in custody and will appear in court again via video-link next Monday, March 26th. 
Meanwhile, a multi-denominational service will be held in Derrylin Parish Church next Wednesday, March 28th at 2pm to remember the deceased family members. 

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The Fermanagh Herald is published by North West of Ireland Printing & Publishing Company Limited, trading as North-West News Group.
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