Cookstown has been left reeling by the St Patrick’s Day tragedy, local representatives said.

A planned evening of fun at a disco turned into disaster as three young people died while awaiting entry to the Greenvale Hotel.

SDLP Stormont Assembly member Patsy McGlone said the community was shocked.

“People are feeling at a low ebb this morning, it is a huge loss to the community.

“Youngsters going out for a night at the disco on St Patrick’s night. Their families think they are safe and then the news turns differently.

“Out and about this morning, I have been speaking to a lot of people, their hearts feel for the families of the youngsters.”

The scene of the incident in Cookstown, Co Tyrone
The scene of the incident in Cookstown, Co Tyrone (Liam McBurney/PA)

Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley said she was “deeply sorry”.

“They were joining others in what should have been an evening for celebration.

“My thoughts and prayers are with their families and friends at this extremely difficult time.”

Brexit
Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald (Brian Lawless/PA)

Sinn Fein president Mary-Lou McDonald said she could not fathom the horror that the parents of these children were going through.

“What should have been a night of fun and celebration for young people has turned into a night of tragedy,” she said.

The party’s deputy president Michelle O’Neill said there was deep shock.

“What is supposed to be a day of celebration has ended in heartbreak and sadness for those involved.”

Ulster Unionist councillor Trevor Wilson said the tragedy was hard to take.

“I spent most of the night at the scene and can say that the emergency services did everything they could to help those who were in distress,” he said.

“Young people and their parents have been traumatised and will need a lot of support in the coming days.

“The Cookstown community is in a state of shock at what has happened but I know that they will rally round to provide whatever support they can.”