The families of Morgan Barnard, Connor Currie and Lauren Bullock have communicated a message to the public via the PSNI.
After their children all tragically died in a crush at a disco in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone on Sunday night.
16 year-old Connor Currie, 17 year-old Lauren Bullock, and 17 year-old Morgan BarnardIn a statement on behalf of the families the PSNI said:
''The families of Morgan Barnard, Connor Currie and Lauren Bullock have asked us to communicate a joint message to the media.
The three families would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the local community for their support since the tragic events of Sunday night.
They are grateful to all of those who have come forward to speak to PSNI so far and would appeal to anyone else who witnessed the terrible event to come forward and give their account to police.
The families want to find out exactly what happened to their children and have asked people to cooperate fully with the police investigation.
The families would also like to thank the emergency services who responded at the scene and the staff at Antrim Area Hospital.
The funerals will take place tomorrow (Friday) and the families have asked the media to respect their privacy at this very sad and difficult time.
Media are asked to keep a respectful distance particularly at the funerals.''
Short individual tributes were then issued to Morgan, Connor and Lauren:
Morgan: Morgan's family 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. He always had a smile for everyone and brightened up the classroom with his humour.
Connor: Connor’s family want to thank Antrim Area Hospital staff, paramedics, ambulance staff, PSNI and members of public who came to Connor’s assistance in any way.
Lauren: Lauren’s family will remember her as very a thoughtful and caring young girl who was outgoing and fun loving.
De-arrest.
Meanwhile the PSNI is refusing to apologise for arresting the owner of the Greenvale Hotel where the crush took place on suspicion of possessing drugs with the intent to supply.
52 year old Michael McElhatton was later de-arrested after a white substance was found to be harmless.
He was also questioned on suspicion of manslaughter and has been released on bail, but says the drug allegation 'blackened his name'.
However Detective Chief Superintendent Raymond Murray defended his officers, saying it's a fast moving investigation.
Investigations continue.
