Northern Ireland

Omagh arson attack sees four treated for smoke inhalation

Police said it is believed that flammable liquid was poured through the letterbox of a house.

The PSNI has appealed for information following an arson attack in Omagh, Co Tyrone
Police Stock The PSNI has appealed for information following an arson attack in Omagh, Co Tyrone (Niall Carson/PA)
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Four people have been treated for smoke inhalation following an arson attack on a property in Co Tyrone.

Detectives said it is believed that flammable liquid was poured through the letterbox of the house in Omagh today.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Shortly before 3.45am, it was reported that a fire had been started at a property in the Winters Grove area.

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who had managed to extinguish the blaze, which is believed to have been started after flammable liquid was poured through the letterbox.

“The four occupants of the house were inside at the time of the incident, and were treated at the scene by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service for smoke inhalation.

“Extensive damage has been caused to the interior of the property as a result of the fire.”

The spokesperson added: “This was an extremely reckless incident, and we are grateful to our colleagues in the fire service for tackling this fire, which could have had very serious consequences for those affected.

“An investigation is under way, and I am appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist us, including CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage, to get in touch by calling 101, and quoting reference number 187 of 03/04/24.”