Clarice Harron, who was 10, apparently choked to death on a balloon in a freak accident at a friend's party at the Spamount Community Centre in Castlederg on Saturday.

She was the youngest of four children and had two brothers and a sister, Gary, Alan and Leanda.

UUP councillor Derek Hussey, a personal friend of her father, understood that the young girl would have turned 11 yesterday.

Speaking to the News Letter having just visited the family, he said the family were "in total shock" and too distraught at the loss of their youngest daughter to speak publicly.

"As a community we are totally devastated and our thoughts go out to the Harron family on the death of a young girl with her whole life in front of her," said Mr Hussey.

"When news of this tragedy came to our community it spread like wildfire and so many people were impacted by what had happened.

"Undoubtedly our community will support the family in their hours, days and years ahead, but we can never bring back Clarice."

His party colleague Councillor James Emery said the family was very well-known in the area.

"They are very well-respected in the community," he said.

"It's a very sad occasion and not something you expect to happen at a birthday party.

"I would know her father Gerald better than her mother Dreena, and I am sure they are devastated to lose a little girl of just 10."

The youngster who lived a few miles outside the village, attended Edwards Primary School in Castlederg.

School principal Libby Robinson issued a statement on behalf of her staff and pupils.

She said: "I, the principal, on behalf of Edwards PS, its pupils, staff and board of governors, would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Clarice's family on the sudden and untimely death of their daughter.

"The entire, closely-knit school community share in the pain of losing one of its valued pupils and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time."

Clarice's funeral will leave from 19 Glen View, Killen tomorrow. The service will take place at 1pm in Derg Parish Church with interment afterwards in Castlederg Cemetery.