Fire teen 'tried to save family'

Caroline McElhill tried to alert the emergency services

A girl killed in a fire which claimed the lives of her family tried to call the emergency services just before the house went up in flames.

Police said the body of Caroline McElhill, 13, was found with a phone in one hand and rosary beads in the other.

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

Arthur McElhill, Lorraine McGovern and their five children died in the blaze at the house on Lammy Crescent in Omagh, County Tyrone, on 13 November.

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

Caroline's siblings - Bellina, four, Clodagh 18 months, Sean, seven, and James, nine months old, also died.

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.

'Bravery'

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.

"This was a young girl, an emblem of innocence, with the courage to seek help and turning to her faith in the midst of fear and danger."

He 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."