PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has praised the efforts of officers who risked their lives to save children from a fire in Co Tyrone last night. Local officers were alerted to reports that children were trapped in a fire at a property in Cunninghams Lane, Dungannon just after 8:30pm yesterday evening.
Police officers were the first emergency services on the scene and 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.
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.
Praising the work of the officers, Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton said: "My thoughts and the thoughts of everyone within the Police Service of Northern Ireland 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 yesterday evening. 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. A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody at this time."
The Deputy Chief Constable said that he was aware of footage from the incident circulating on social media and asked the public to be mindful of the victims.
“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," he said.
“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 & 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. I am 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. Instead, we would ask that anyone with information contact us on 101, quoting reference 1668 of 03/02/25.”
You can also submit a report online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/
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