THERE were heartbreaking scenes as baby Sarah Mullan was laid to rest on Saturday.
Family, friends and neighbours gathered at Largy Presbyterian Church near Limavady for the poignant service.
Sarah, who was only 18 months old and the youngest of four children, lost her life when fire broke out at her home in Killyblight Road nea
r Dungiven last Tuesday. The rest of the family, her parents Stephen and Marie, brother Robert, and sisters Jenna and Alison, suffered severe smoke inhalation during the incident.
Mourners at her funeral heard that Sarah had brought much happiness to those around her. At the service Rev Dr Clive Glass said that family, congregation and community had gathered to seek words of comfort from God.
"In her short life little Sarah brought so much happiness to so many," Rev Glass said. "In particular we express our sincere condolences today to Stephen and Marie who have lost their precious daughter in such tragic circumstances. We think too of Alison, Robert and Jenna who have lost the wee sister they so doted on.
"Our hearts go out as well to grandparents who have been bereft of a granddaughter who brought so much sparkle to their lives."
On behalf of Sarah's family, Rev Glass expressed "heartfelt thanks" to the congregation for their support.
Sarah was buried in Bovevagh Parish Church graveyard.
In a statement released through the police, the family said they were devastated by the tragic death of their precious daughter.
It said: "(The family] would like to thank everyone for their prayers and messages of support but would request privacy as they endeavour to come to terms with their loss."
The Mullans have been described as a "lovely family" by the headteacher of the school the older children attend. Alison Steen, of Drumrane Primary School, said it was a tragedy for the entire community.
She said: "On behalf of the local school and the board of governors and the entire school community, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the entire Mullan and Hull family circles."
The blaze, which is not being treated as suspicious, broke out in a bedroom of the house at 11pm on Tuesday. Eamon Gallagher from the Fire Service said the family had managed to get out of the property when he had arrived.
He said: "When we arrived there was a bedroom fire which was well developed in the property. They had got themselves out but unfortunately the young girl had sustained certain injuries and sadly passed away in hospital."
Local councillor Boyd Douglas said the entire community had "joined together in sympathy" with the family.
Mayor of Limavady, Sinn Féin's Cathal Ó hOisin, said the family will get much support from the local community. He said: "For a child to die in any circumstances is a terrible tragedy to lose a child in circumstances like this is even more so."
East Londonderry MLA David McClarty said: "This is a total tragedy for the family, and my heart goes out to them. I trust that the wider community will rally round and provide them with support and strength to cope in the days ahead."
