Woman found in Co Tyrone beside burning car was “dearly loved daughter” with “beautiful smile”

She has been named locally as Claire McCain, who was in her 30s

A woman whose body was discovered at the scene of a burning car in Co Tyrone has been named locally as Claire McCain.

She is described as a “dearly loved daughter” and “precious sister” whose “beautiful smile will never be forgotten” in moving tributes.

Police said on Monday that a person who died following a vehicle fire outside Omagh had been confirmed as a woman in her 30s, following a post-mortem examination.

READ MORE: Tributes for mum-of-four Imelda Bannon following sudden deathREAD MORE: Irishwoman, 33, found dead on luxury yacht in the Hamptons as police launch investigation

Her remains were found after a fire in a silver Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 was extinguished by firefighters in a field just off the Rylagh Road on Saturday.

The fire was initially treated as arson, and police said inquiries were underway into “how the person came to be beside the vehicle”.

In an update on Monday evening, the PSNI said her death is not believed to be suspicious at this stage.

Omagh Independent councillor Josephine Deehan, said that the “tragic and horrific situation” had left the local community “really shocked, greatly saddened and indeed disturbed”.

Councillor Deehan said Rylagh Road as a “very beautiful, tranquil, rural area” which is home to a “close-knit, supportive community”.

She also commended the emergency services for attending to the “harrowing situation”.

SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said it was a “deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the local community”.

He added: “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who has so tragically lost their life.

“It is heart-breaking that someone has died in such harrowing circumstances. People in the area are understandably anxious and looking for answers.”

Claire McCain is described in a family notice as “dearly loved daughter of William and Patricia and precious sister of Christopher and Simone and auntie to Skye”.

In tributes published online, one person said: “Claire, your beautiful smile will never be forgotten. May you rest in peace, and may your loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with you.”

Another wrote: “Unbelievable sadness at the loss of Claire, such a lovely lady inside and out, my thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.”

Her funeral will take place on Thursday, leaving Maguire’s Funeral Home at noon for interment in Greenhill Cemetery.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.