Tribute at council

Cllr Lockhart said she had visited the family to pass on the condolences of the Council adding: “It was very emotional to see a family in such a bad way.”

Party colleague DUP councillor Darren Causby agreed with her comments as did Ulster Unionist Cllr Ken Twyble and Alliance Party’s Conrad Dixon.

SDLP Councillor Joe Nelson also expressed his condolences to the Cousins family.

DUP Alderman Stephen Moutray said it should be a ‘salutary warning’ of the dangers of the sea.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Meta Crozier said it was an ‘absolute tragedy’. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” she said.

Away from the council meeting further tributes were paid by local politicians.

Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor Carla Lockhart commented: “Bethany was described to me by the family as their little angel, what a tragedy for the family and wider community to have lost little Bethany Cousins at such a tender age of 11.”

UUP Councillor Colin McCusker said: “As a father of two very young children, I can only imagine the devastation being felt at this terrible time.”

Sinn Fein MLA John O’Dowd commented: “I want to offer my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Bethany, the loss of such a young life is a terrible tragedy.”