A TEENAGER, 15, has been arrested amid a police probe into a horror suspected arson attack in Tyrone.
It is the second arrest following a house fire in Dungannon at around 8.30pm on Monday night, which resulted in 12 people being rushed to hospital.
Eight PSNI officers were treated for smoke inhalation and four people were admitted to hospital.
Two children aged seven and 10 were among those hospitalised following the fire and are in a stable condition.
A man, 37, and a woman, 70 remain in a “serious condition” following the blaze.
And the PSNI confirmed last night a teenage boy has been arrested, following the arrest of a 21-year-old, who remained in police custody last night.
The 21-year-old who was arrested by PSNI officers was discovered on the roof of the property.
The pair were both arrested on “suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life”.
In a statement Detective Inspector Ryan of the PSNI said: “A 15-year-old male has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life, and remains in police custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.
“A 21-year-old man also arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life also remains in police custody this evening.
“Four people were taken to hospital following the fire, which occurred shortly after 8.30pm on Monday evening.
“A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 remain in a serious condition, while two children, aged 7 and 10, are in a stable condition.”
Continuing the detective issued a fresh information appeal.
Inspector Ryan said: “A police cordon remains in place as officers work alongside the Fire Service to establish the cause of the fire, and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who might have any information which could assist us, to contact 101, quoting reference 1668 of 03/02/25.”
Reports can also be submitted online.
Following the fire PSNI confirmed that officers led five people, including two children, safely from the home on located on Cunninghams Lane.
Four people that were trapped in the home were rescued by fire officers on ladders from neighbouring properties and a fifth person found on the roof was brought to safety.
‘EXTENSIVE DAMAGE’
In a statement District Commander, Superintendent Peter Stevenson said the property suffered “extensive damage” after the blaze that trapped children inside.
He 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.”
‘UNDOUBTEDLY TRAUMATIC’
He 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.”
