Pregnant Woman's Death 'Not Suspicious'

A pregnant woman, aged in her 20s, has died in a house fire in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Emergency crews attended the scene in the Whitepark Road area on Tuesday, 03 October.

The woman died at the scene.

Her death is not being treated as suspicious.

Sinn Féin Councillor Cara McShane said that the community in Ballycastle and wider Glens area are in shock.

She said: "The local community in the Whitepark Road area of Ballycastle are devastated at the death of a young woman who died after a house fire at her home tonight. The entire town has been left reeling from the news. 

"The victim of the tragedy is a young mother, who was also expecting her second child, and her family are well known in the local area in what is a tight-knit community.

"I have extended my condolences to the family of the victim and I know that people in the local community will rally round to support her husband, child and wider family circle in the difficult days ahead."

Alliance North Antrim spokesperson Patricia O'Lynn said: "My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the loved ones of this poor woman, who has perished in the most tragic of circumstances.

"The local community will be shocked and saddened at this news. My thanks go to the emergency services, who attempted to save the life of this woman, despite their efforts ultimately being in vain.

"I would encourage anyone with information on this fire to contact the authorities so the cause can be determined."

(CD/LM)