Man arrested on suspicion of arson, four rescued in Co Tyrone house fire

Two women, two children and eight police officers are taken to hospital

The scene in the Cunninghams Lane area of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, after a house fire. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire
The scene in the Cunninghams Lane area of Dungannon, Co Tyrone, after a house fire. Photograph: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after 12 people were taken to hospital following a house fire in Co Tyrone.

Emergency crews were alerted to the fire at Cunninghams Lane in Dungannon just after 8.30pm on Monday and advised that children were trapped in the building.

Two women and two children, aged seven and 10, were taken to hospital along with eight police officers, who were treated for smoke inhalation.

District commander supt Peter Stevenson said: “Officers immediately made their way to the scene, arriving prior to fire service colleagues.

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“The property was seen to be well alight and, as such, knowing that the residents were still inside, officers obtained ladders from neighbouring properties and used them to rescue four people.

The fire service extinguished the blaze, which has caused extensive damage.

Mr Stevenson said: “The four people rescued were taken to hospital. A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 remain in a critical condition, while two children, aged 7 and 10, are in a stable condition.”

A fifth person who was brought to safety after being found on the roof of the property was arrested.

Mr Stevenson added: “The person on the roof, a man aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.”

Speaking of the officers who rescued the occupants, Mr Stevenson said: “While I am extremely proud of their actions, my thoughts and those of all of us in the police service are with those who remain in hospital today.

“We want to thank the residents of Cunninghams Lane for their assistance with this terrible incident, which was undoubtedly traumatic for all involved.

“The community will continue to see the presence of the emergency services in the area throughout today, as we proceed with our investigation into the cause of this fire.”

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews arrived at the property to find that four people had been led to safety from the property by police officers.

A spokesperson said: “Crews wearing breathing apparatus and using firefighting jets extinguished a fire at the property and rendered first aid.” – PA