Detectives have launched an investigation into a fire at a residential property in the Rockview Park area of Moneymore on Thursday, 12 March.

The incident, which is being treated as deliberate ignition, resulted in the arrest of a man in his 30s.

Police and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene shortly before 2pm following reports of the blaze. A man and a child were present inside the property when the fire broke out. While the child was unharmed, the man required hospital treatment for injuries that are currently described as non-life-threatening.

As a precaution, several residents from neighbouring properties were evacuated while fire crews worked to extinguish the flames.

A man in his 30s has since been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in police custody assisting detectives with their enquiries. Detective Inspector Ryan said: "Officers received a report of a fire at a property in the area shortly before 2pm, and attended the scene together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who managed to extinguish the blaze. A man and a child were inside the property at the time. The child was uninjured and the man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries which are not believed to be life threatening at this stage. A number of residents in neighbouring properties were also evacuated as a result of the incident."

The Detective Inspector confirmed that an investigation is ongoing and added: "The cause of the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition, and one man aged in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries. An investigation is underway, and anyone who may have any information which could assist, is asked to call detectives via 101 and quote reference number 876 of 12/03/26."

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via the PSNI's online non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.