Families of teenagers killed outside hotel disco pay heartfelt tributes

By Cate McCurry, Press Association

The families of three teenagers who died outside a hotel disco in Northern Ireland have paid tribute to the students.

Lauren Bullock, 17, Connor Currie, 16, and Morgan Barnard, 17, died after a crush at the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown on Sunday.

The families said they are grateful to witnesses who have spoken to the PSNI and urged anyone else who saw what happened to come forward and give their account to investigators.

In a police statement issued on behalf of the families from Co Tyrone, they said: "The families want to find out exactly what happened to their children and have asked people to cooperate fully with the police investigation.

"The three families would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the local community for their support since the tragic events of Sunday night.

"The families would also like to thank the emergency services who responded at the scene and the staff at Antrim Area Hospital."

Morgan's family said they will remember him as loving the simple things in life.

"He volunteered for a number of things including working at the local Cancer Research shop," they added.

"He always had a smile for everyone and brightened up the classroom with his humour."

Connor's family thanked the staff at Antrim Area Hospital staff, paramedics, ambulance staff, PSNI and members of public who helped him.

Lauren was described by her family as a "very thoughtful and caring young girl who was outgoing and fun loving".