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In November 2007 29 year old Lorraine McGovern and her five children – Caroline, Sean, Bellina, Clodagh and James - were killed in a fire in their home in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The fire was set deliberately by Lorraine’s partner Arthur McElhill who also died in the fire. McElhill was a convicted sex offender who groomed and abused many teenage girls including his partner Lorraine. A review into the murders found that authorities could not have stopped their deaths – I am not so sure.  

This is the story of the McElhill Family.  

Information and support 

·       Samaritans UK Contact Us | Samaritans 

·       National Domestic Violence Helpline UK 0808 2000 247 

·       Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA) Home - AAFDA

·       Women’s Aid Home - Women's Aid

·       National Domestic Abuse Helpline UK 0808 2000 247

·       Mental health support USA Mental Health America | Homepage | Mental Health America

·       Domestic abuse helpline USA 1.800.799.SAFE Domestic Violence Support | National Domestic Violence Hotline 

References 

Independent Review Report of Agency Involvement with Mr Arthur McElhill, Ms Lorraine McGovern and their children - June 2008 | Department of Health

‘Help me, I’m burning’ - chilling last words of Omagh blaze teen | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

BBC News - Who was Arthur McElhill?

BBC News - Sex abuser McElhill killed his family in Omagh fire

McElhill fire deaths: Relatives sue for damages - BBC News

McElhill fire murder house in Omagh is demolished - BBC News

It's 10 years since NI mum Lorraine McGovern and her five children were killed in a house fire by the children's father, Arthur McElhill - their friends and neighbours tell how that horrific night continues to haunt them | BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

Northern Ireland Assembly debate McElhill/McGovern Tragedy in Omagh: 8 Feb 2010: Northern Ireland Assembly debates - TheyWorkForYou

Adolescence links:

Adolescence: ‘I left the No 10 roundtable with a sense of optimism.’ | The Children's Society

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