A man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after 12 people were taken to hospital following a house fire in Co Tyrone.
Emergency crews were alerted to the fire just after 8.30pm on Monday and advised that children were trapped in the building.
Two women and two children, aged seven and 10, were taken to hospital along with eight police officers, who were treated for smoke inhalation.
The scene in the Cunninghams Lane area (Liam McBurney/PA)
District Commander Superintendent Peter Stevenson said: “Officers immediately made their way to the scene, arriving prior to fire service colleagues.
“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.
The fire service extinguished the blaze, which has caused extensive damage.
Mr Stevenson said: “The four people rescued were taken to hospital. Two women aged 37 and 70 remain in a critical condition, while two children, aged seven and 10, are in a stable condition.”
A fifth person who was brought to safety after being found on the roof of the property was arrested.
Mr Stevenson added: “The person on the roof, a man aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time.”
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Speaking of the officers who rescued the occupants, Mr 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.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said: “Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, 12 patients were taken by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital.”
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews arrived at the property to find that four people had been led to safety from the property by police officers.
A spokesperson said: “Crews wearing breathing apparatus and using firefighting jets extinguished a fire at the property and rendered first aid.”