Police in Dungannon have arrested a man following a serious house fire in the Cunninghams Lane area of the town on Monday, 3rd February.

Officers responded to reports of a house fire, arriving at the scene before the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. The property was already well alight, and officers, aware that residents were still inside, used ladders from neighbouring properties to rescue four people. A fifth person was found on the roof and brought to safety.

The fire, which caused extensive damage to the property, was subsequently extinguished by the Fire Service.

Four people 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 21-year-old man, who was found on the roof of the property, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody.

Eight local policing officers were taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation and were all released in the early hours of the morning.

District Commander, Superintendent Peter 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.

"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."

You can also submit a report online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ and Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/