PSNI praises brave actions of officers who saved four people from house fire
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has praised the bravery of officers who rescued four people, including two children, from a serious house fire in Dungannon.
A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 remain in a critical condition, while two children, aged seven and ten, are in a stable condition.
A 21-year-old man who was found on the roof and brought to safety was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He has since been charged and is expected to appear before Strabane Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (February 6).
A 15-year-old male who was also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, has been released on bail to allow for further inquiries to be carried out, the PSNI said.
Eight officers from the Local Policing Team were taken to hospital suffering the effects of smoke inhalation but were later allowed home.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone within the PSNI are very much with the four people who were in the house last night and who remain in hospital today.
“Local policing officers responded to a report that children were trapped in a house in Cunninghams Lane, Dungannon just after 8.30pm on Monday evening (February 3).
“Police were the first emergency responders to arrive at the scene and on arrival, the house was well alight.
“Officers obtained two ladders from neighbouring properties and were able to rescue an unresponsive 70-year-old woman and a young child from the rear of the property.
“A number of the officers then entered the house and brought a second child, and a 37-year-old man to safety.
“The adults remain in a critical condition in hospital today, while the children, thankfully, as we understand are presenting in a stable condition.
“We can confirm that this fire was started deliberately. It’s hard to comprehend the mindless cruelty of this act, and the panic and fear caused to those in the home.”
He added: “Eight officers from the Local Policing Team in Dungannon, two sergeants and six constables, were taken to hospital after the fire, including one officer who collapsed after rescuing one of the children from the property.
“I am extremely thankful that our colleagues were released in the early hours of this morning following treatment, although they are still suffering the after effects of smoke inhalation and will be absent from work as a result.
“I want to acknowledge the bravery of our police officers, whose only focus when entering the burning building was the safety of those inside.
“They exemplify the qualities we know are held by so many of our colleagues – courage, selflessness and a focus on our community.
“I also want to thank our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, alongside the residents of Cunninghams Lane, for their support.
“A police cordon remains in place as we work alongside the Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire, and we thank the local community for their ongoing patience and co-operation.”
Mr Singleton said he was aware that videos and photographs of the fire and events surrounding it are circulating on social media.
“We would ask that people be mindful of the victims of this despicable attack, and refrain from sharing this footage,” he said.