SOME 12 people were to hospital following a horror house fire in Co Tyrone overnight.
Eight PSNI officers were treated for smoke inhalation, two children – aged 7 and 10 – are in a stable condition and two woman are understood to be critical following the blaze.
Emergency crews received a call about the horror fire in Dungannon at around 8.30pm on Monday night.
The PSNI confirmed that officers led five people, including two children, safely from the home on Cunninghams Lane.
Four people trapped in the home were rescued by fire officers on ladders from neighbouring properties, with a fifth person found on the roof and brought to safety.
District Commander, Superintendent Peter Stevenson said: “Our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service contacted us just after 8.30pm to advise that they were turning out to a report of a house fire with children trapped.
“Officers immediately made their way to the scene, arriving prior to Fire Service colleagues.
“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.
“A fifth person was found on the roof, and brought to safety.
“Fire Service extinguished the blaze, which has caused extensive damage.”
Four people were brought to hospital, two women aged 37 and 70 both remain in a critical condition.
Two children, aged 7 and 10, are said to be in a stable condition.
The man discovered on the roof, 21, has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.
He is currently in police custody.
Eight PSNI officers were also brought to hospital for smoke inhalation but have since been released.
‘UNDOUBTABLY TRAUMATIC’
Superintendent Stevenson continued: “Eight local policing officers were taken to hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation. Thankfully, all were released in the early hours of the morning.
“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.
“We would appeal to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1668 of 03/02/25. We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant CCTV, doorbell or other footage.”
The PSNI has confirmed that the road has now reopened following an overnight closure.
