Pupils counselled after children's deaths in Omagh

School friends of one of the victims of a house blaze which left a family of seven dead have been receiving counselling, a teacher said today.

School principals in Omagh said the children who perished in Tuesday morning’s house fire were a joy to teach and the tragedy had shaken the local community.

Police have opened a murder investigation, with Arthur McElhill as the chief suspect after he died alongside his wife and children.

Katriona McGettigan, whose St Conor’s Primary School is beside the burnt-out ruins, said: “The children are very beautiful children. We remember them very fondly, they were a joy to teach.

“I would have only positive memories.”