THE woman who tragically died in an early house fire yesterday in Co Derry has been named locally as Helga McAteer who was aged in her 50s.
It is understood she was originally from the Eglinton area and moved to Limavady 10 years ago.
The Fire and Rescue Service are investigating the cause of the fire that claimed her life.
The woman was pulled from the smoke-blackened house by police officers to a rear garden but despite attempts to revive her she died at the scene.
SDLP councillor John Deighan said: “There’s a deep sadness around the community after what’s happened Ms McAteer.
“It’s a life that’s been cut short and it’s a tragedy in what is a close knit community.
“They will be saddened by this.”
Fire chiefs said in a statement: “NIFRS received a call from the PSNI at 6.28am this morning (July 17) to a house fire at Grange Park, Limavady.
“Tragically a lady has died and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the lady.
“The cause of the fire is being investigated.”
A PSNI spokesman said: “Police can confirm that a woman, aged in her 50’s, has died following a fire at a house in Grange Park in Limavady.
“Police received a report of a fire at a house at around 6.25am. Emergency Services attended but unfortunately the woman was found deceased at the scene.
“An investigation into the cause of the fire has now commenced.”
East Derry Sinn Fein MLA Caoimhe Archibald has expressed her sympathies to the family and friends of Ms McAteer.
She said: “The whole community is shocked by this tragic incident.
“This is a deeply tragic event and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of the woman.
“I wish to pay tribute to the emergency services who attended the scene for their professionalism and their efforts.”
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