Omagh Fire Teen Bravery To Be Recognised

One of the youngest of the McElhill family killed last month in the horrific fire which cost the lives of all seven members had tried to call the emergency services just before the house went up in flames.

Detective Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter, who heads up the PSNI's serious crime branch said in a statement: "One image may bring some comfort to the wider family circle.

"At 4.54am on November 13, a 999 call was made to the Fire and Rescue Service from within 4 Lammy Crescent.

"The investigation team have established that Caroline, at 13 years of age, had the presence of mind and bravery to seek help from the emergency services to save her family.

"Caroline was recovered with her telephone in one hand and her rosary beads in her other hand," he said.

The teenager is to be nominated for a posthumous award for her courage.

Chief Superintendent Baxter added: "It is my intention at the appropriate time to acknowledge Caroline's actions in seeking help for her family by nominating her for a posthumous award in recognition of her courage."

Caroline died in the blaze along with her mother, Lorraine McGovern, and her father, Arthur McElhill.

Her sisters Bellina, four, and Clodagh 18 months; and her brothers Sean, seven, and James, nine months old, also died.

Police investigating the blaze said the fire was started at the base of the stairs.

Detectives said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the investigation.

They said the fire could not have been ignited from a source external to the house.

Even though Mr McElhill is believed to have started the fire in the early hours, police have not named him as a suspect.

Funeral services were held at the weekend and the family buried, but with Mr McElhill interred in a different cemetery, at the relatives request.

(BMcC)