Two people are fighting for their lives following a deliberate house fire in Dungannon, County Tyrone, on Monday night (February 3, 2025).
Police rescued a 37-year-old man, a 70-year-old woman, and two children, aged seven and 10, from a blazing home on Cunninghams Lane. The adults remain in critical condition, while the children are said to be stable.
A 21-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. The older suspect was found on the roof of the house when police arrived.
Brave Police Officers Rescue Family
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were the first emergency responders on the scene after receiving reports of children trapped inside the burning house at 8:30pm.
- Eight police officers suffered smoke inhalation injuries but were later discharged from the hospital.
- Officers used two ladders borrowed from nearby properties to rescue the victims.
- A 70-year-old woman was pulled out unresponsive before being rushed to hospital.
Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the officers’ heroic actions:
“Were it not for their bravery, lives would have been lost.”
He confirmed the fire was started deliberately, describing the act as “mindless cruelty”.
“It’s hard to comprehend the panic and fear caused to those in the home.”
Shocking Witness Accounts
Local resident Cadalia Freitas, who witnessed the fire, said she was traumatised by the incident.
She heard children crying for help and directed a police officer with a ladder to assist with the rescue.
“I was scared, I was shaking. I couldn’t sleep because of the smoke in the air.”
The principal of Dungannon Primary School, David Thompson, confirmed the two children attended his school and said the community would support them through the trauma.
Fire Investigation and Ongoing Police Presence
A police cordon remains in place as forensic investigators work alongside the Fire Service to determine the cause of the blaze.
Sinn Féin councillor Deirdre Varsani expressed her hope that all those affected “are now safe”, while DUP councillor Clement Cuthbertson praised the courage of the police officers involved in the rescue.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dispatched:
Six emergency crews
A hazardous response team
Two paramedics and an ambulance officer
A total of 12 patients were taken to Craigavon Area Hospital for treatment.
Police Urge Public Not to Share Fire Footage
Distressing videos and images of the fire have circulated online, prompting police to urge the public not to share them out of respect for the victims and their families.
Deputy Chief Constable Singleton stressed:
“Such images could cause further distress to the victims and may interfere with legal proceedings.”
Ongoing Investigation & Appeal for Witnesses
Police are continuing to investigate the motive behind the attack but have stated that it is not currently being treated as a hate crime.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to contact the PSNI on 101.
Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
