Bid to trace killer dad's last hours

Ralph Riegel

GARDAI investigating the deaths of John Butler and his two daughters were operating checkpoints on all approach routes to Ballycotton today.

Officers were handing out questionnaires to members of the public in a bid to piece together his last 24 hours.

Gardai want to be able to confirm all his movements on the last day of his life - and also any movements of the Toyota Yaris in which he died.

The HSE and Realt na Mara National School -- where tragic Zoe Butler (6) went to school -- will be liaising over the provision of support and counselling services.

Services will be provided to classmates of Zoe and several of her cousins who are also fellow students at the Ballycotton school.

Prayers for the family were offered at 9.30am Mass today in nearby Shanagarry.

Staff at Realt na Mara National School declined to comment today. Principal Derry Keogh said yesterday that the school was in mourning.

"Zoe was a beautiful young child -- she was the youngest in her class, first class -- she was six years of age and full of life, a bubbly child, a very happy and open child," said Mr Keogh.

hnews@herald.ie