The entirety of Ballymena is devastated following the death of a 12-year-old girl in a house fire, Alliance Councillor Patricia O’Lynn has said.

She was speaking after the child died at the property in Staffa Drive in the Ballykeel area following the fire at 5:50pm yesterday (Wednesday). A man who was in the house at the time has been taken to hospital.

“It is almost impossible to find the words to describe this tragedy,” said Councillor O’Lynn.

“My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in Ballymena are with the family of this poor girl. I also hope the man makes a full and quick recovery. The entirety of the town is devastated following this tragic incident, particularly following a separate murder in the same area earlier in the day.

“My thanks go to the emergency services who attended the scene. I know the local community will rally around the family and my heart goes out to them.”