WATCH: Community 'devastated' after schoolgirl dies in house fire

By Q Radio News

The schoolgirl who died in last night's fire in Ballymena has been named locally as 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster.

Fire fighters were called to a property in Staffa Drive in the Ballykeel area just before 6pm yesterday.

Police say the girl died at the scene and a man who was in the house at the time was taken to hospital.

The Principal of Dunclug College in Ballymena, which Brooke attended has paid tribute to her. 

Ruth Wilson described the Year 9 pupil as a "beloved student" and says both staff and students are heartbroken following the news. 

The Principal of Dunclug College in Ballymena Ruth Wilson has paid tribute to 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster who perished in a house fire at Staffa Drive in Ballykeel 11 yesterday evening. pic.twitter.com/ILzrWyf7qY

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 1, 2020

Meanwhile, local Pastor Dr. Martin McNeely of Ballykeel Presbyterian Church said 12-year-old Brooke was a very popular girl. 

He said there was "palpable shock" as the news of her death spread across the local community. 

Pastor Dr. Martin McNeely, Ballykeel Presbyterian Church says 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster who died in yesterday’s house fire in Ballymena was a very popular girl. pic.twitter.com/1RfbVJjjAx

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 1, 2020

Pastor Dr. Martin McNeely, Ballykeel Presbyterian Church said there was palpable shock at the loss of 12 year old Brooke Reid McMaster following yesterday’s house fire in Ballymena. pic.twitter.com/rqWHjMvzPH

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 1, 2020

Independent councillor Rodney Quigley says the community has been left devastated. 

Local independent councillor Rodney Quigley says Ballymena is numbed by the death of a young girl in a house fire in the Ballykeel area. pic.twitter.com/mPv7zAXXXz

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 30, 2020

PSNI  Chief Inspector William Calderwood said: "The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and will be subject to investigation, in liaison with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.''

BREAKING: The scene of a serious house fire in Ballykeel Estate, Ballymena this evening. It is understood a young girl has died in the blaze. pic.twitter.com/1DJswgM8eb

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) September 30, 2020

Councillor Eugene Reid also offered condolences the victim's grieving family. 

MLA Mervyn Storey said: “This is indeed a tragedy.

“No one can begin to imagine the grief the family is going through and they will need all the support and comfort the local community and further afield can give.''

Assembly member Jim Allister said the estate had been plunged into sorrow.

“To now hear of this young girl’s death is devastating.

“The community rescue efforts were commendable but, alas, to no avail in respect of the child.“