Two men are arrested after beauty technician died in nightclub

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of drug-related offences after a beauty technician fell unconscious and died in a nightclub while celebrating her birthday.

Chloe Ferris, 24, was pronounced dead at the Lux nightclub in Belfast in the early hours of Sunday, while a friend also fell unconscious and was taken to hospital.

Now, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has confirmed officers arrested two men in their 20s as part of their investigation before releasing them on bail.

Her friend, also aged in her 20s, remains in hospital where she is being treated. 

Miss Ferri's heartbroken father Declan revealed today how she 'lived life to the full', adding that the tragedy was 'beyond belief' and the family were 'heartbroken'.

Speaking from the family home in Newtownabbey, Mr Ferris told the Irish News that his daughter had been celebrating with friends ahead of her 25th birthday tomorrow.

He added that Miss Ferris was an 'incredibly hard-working girl', ran a successful beauty business and enjoyed travelling - visiting the US and Australia last year.

Mr Ferris added: 'She worked nine to nine every day and Saturday was the only time she would have been able to get a day off in the lead-up to Christmas.'

He also said: 'I think to myself was there something in the back of her head that knew something was coming, and that's why she packed so much into her short life?'

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Mr Ferris said his house was now 'completely packed' with people 'from all sides of the community and of all ages' following her death, adding: 'That tells you everything about Chloe'.

Friends have also been paying tribute to Miss Ferris with one describing her on social media as 'the nicest friend with the purest soul'.

Another added: 'Heartbreaking. Chloe was the most beautiful person, both inside and out. Thinking of her friends and family at this very sad time.'

A funeral service for Miss Ferris, who had three brothers, will take place this Thursday with a requiem mass followed by a burial. 

Tributes have also been paid by beauty training academy Enhance Belfast, where she was a student, which said her death was 'absolutely heartbreaking'.

Ms Ferris was also a former pupil of St Clare's Primary School in west Belfast, which said she was 'fondly remembered' by teachers as a 'warm, positive and bubbly girl'.

A spokesman for Lux said: 'Our thoughts and sympathies are with the parents and family during this very difficult time. Our focus is now to help the police with their investigation and our staff wellbeing.'

And a PSNI statement said: 'Police investigating the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a woman in her 20s at a night club in Belfast city centre during the early hours of Sunday, 1st December, have made two arrests as part of their enquiries.

'The men, both aged in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of drug related offences. They have since been released on police bail to allow for further enquiries.

'Police are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have any information which could assist with the investigation to contact them on 101, or submit information online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.'