A pregnant woman-of-one has died after a fire broke out at her home in Northern Ireland.

Sinead Stewart, the 27-year-old, who was 4 months pregnant, died at the scene in Ballycastle, Co Antrim.

Friends of the young mother have been expressing their grief & heartbreak on social media.

Sinn Fein councillor Cara McShane said:"People in the area are completely stunned by the news that the young woman has died.

Ballycastle Independent councilor Padraig McShane said the local community was stunned & numb with grief. 

“The detail of the tragedy will be revealed in the fullness of time but at the moment, on behalf of the local community, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family & friends of the deceased," said the police.

Ulster Unionist councilor Joan Baird, who lives near the Stewart family home, commented:"This is a tragedy & it appears that she has come home & perhaps started making the tea & then this happens in the flash of an eye.