By Q Radio News
The heartbroken mother of a 12-year-old girl who died in a house fire in Ballymena says her daughter had a ''heart of gold''.
Martha McMaster was speaking last night after hundreds of people attended a vigil near the scene of Wednesday night’s blaze on Staffa Drive in the Ballykeel area.
She says her daughter Brooke was a just an average young girl and a caring person.
“She was my baby, my princess”
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 2, 2020
Heartbroken mum Martha pays a moving tribute to her daughter Brooke Reid McMaster who died in a house fire in Ballymena on Wednesday evening pic.twitter.com/KT5r2Ee8a1
Grieving family members attended the memorial service last night where mourners released balloons into the sky, including her devastated grandfather Billy McMaster.
A vigil has been held in Ballymena for 12-year-old Brooke Reid McMaster who died in a house fire in the Ballykeel estate last night. Devastated Billy McMaster pays tribute to his “loving granddaughter:” pic.twitter.com/MOU0Fapyot
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 1, 2020
Martha wept as a piper played and prayers were said for her and her daughter.
She was embraced by friends and neighbours who tried to console her.
Hundreds gather at a vigil for Brooke Reid McMaster in Ballymena after a house fire claimed the 12-year-old’s life last night. Brooke’s family were in attendance and released balloons in her memory. Pics: McAuley Multimedia. pic.twitter.com/XwiLRlKHN2
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) October 1, 2020
Yesterday it emerged that neighbours had tried to save schoolgirl but were unable to get through the front door.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Councillor Rodney Quigley said: “Someone noticed that the house was on fire, from outside, and they went to try and go in and gain access to the bedroom but could not.
“They could not get the door open.”
He said they were a lovely family and well-known in the area.
“It was a sad and terrible day.”
Brooke’s school principal also paid tribute to the musical and sporty pupil.
Ruth Wilson said: “The staff and pupils of Dunclug College record deep sorrow on the tragic death of their beloved pupil, Brooke Reid, in Year 9, and send support and prayers to her grieving parents & family circle.
“This is a very sad day for our school community.”
She said she was a joy to teach and lived life to the full.
The youngster played the piano, sang and enjoyed sport.
The principal added: “In every way she was a credit to her family.
“As a school we stand alongside them today in their grief.”
Paramedics said they was called to the property at around 1750pm on Wednesday.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) added that one person was taken to Antrim Area Hospital for treatment following the blaze.
The fire service said three appliances attended.
Swann refuses to rule out resigning if budget is not changed
Fresh inquests ordered into deaths of 15 killed in McGurk’s bomb blast
Trial ends after man accused of murder of young showjumper is found dead
A brief hearing and chaotic scenes as Donaldson makes first court appearance