The owner of a property targeted in an arson attack in Dungannon has praised the quick actions of emergency services.
Twelve people were left needing hospital treatment following the blaze last night.
Distressing footage from the scene showed a child screaming at an upstairs window for help as the exit is engulfed in flames.
A man aged 37 and a woman aged 70 are in a critical condition following the incident in the Cunningham’s Lane area.
Eight officers were treated for smoke inhalation.
A man has been arrested in connection with the fire. The 21-year-old was discovered on the roof of the house.
Abdul Alim, who has lived in the Co Tyrone town for 22 years, said the family who lived there, from Portugal, had always been kind and considerate.
“They are a polite, good family,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
Mr Alim had been working in his Bengali Spice restaurant in Dungannon when a neighbour alerted him to the fire.
“When I got here there were at least three fire engines and police all around,” he added.
“I was just relieved to see everyone get out.
“I have spoken to the family this morning. They are in hospital but they have told me they are okay, so that was good to hear.
“I can only thank police for their actions last night.”
The family had been living in Cunninghams Lane for the last three years.
A neighbour said she had watched the drama unfold.
“From what I know one of the family had been out at the shop and arrived back to find the house on fire,” said Cidali Freitas, who lives two houses down from the incident.
“It was scary to watch, to hear the screams of the children.
“I’m just relieved everyone got out. They brought out one of the children with an oxygen mask and it was frightening to see.
“I do feel a little apprehensive today. A little uneasy. But we have seen nothing like this before. It was totally unexpected and we’re a little shocked and shaken today.”
Twelve people hospitalised after Dungannon house fire
Emergency services arrived at the scene shortly after 8.30pm after reports of a house fire with children trapped.
The PSNI said: “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.”
A total of 12 people have been hospitalised following the fire – four were rescued from the house.
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.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.
The PSNI added: “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.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call shortly after 8.30pm on Monday and emergency crews were dispatched to the scene, as well as rapid response paramedics.
A spokesperson said: “Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, 12 patients were taken by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital.”
The cause of the fire is still being investigated.
Police were seen escorting a man away from the scene.
SDLP councillor Karol McQuade said the “heroic actions” of the emergency services prevented the fire from being a major tragedy.
“Police officers put themselves at serious risk to rescue these people and save their lives, suffering the effects of smoke inhalation in the process,” he said.
“This was a terrible incident that put four people and our emergency services in danger. The quick-thinking of police officers and support from neighbours was key in making sure this fire wasn’t much worse. I pay tribute to all of the emergency services for their response to this fire.
“Police are treating this incident as an arson attack and I can’t imagine why anyone would want to do this. People in the local community will be reeling from this incident today, nobody expected something like this to unfold on their doorsteps.”
Sinn Fein MLA Colm Gildernew said his thoughts were with those affected by the house fire.
“This is a deeply traumatic incident for the family and everyone involved,” he said.
“I commend our frontline responders for their swift action in safely evacuating all residents.
“I want to particularly pay tribute to the police officers who risked their lives and entered the home, which was engulfed in flames, to bring this family and others to safety.”
UUP MLA Diana Armstrong said it was “concerning news”.
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