Police treating fire in Dungannon as arson

By Q Radio News

police are treating a fire in Dungannon last night as arson.

Detectives are appealing for information about the blaze that broke out shortly after 9pm at a property in Castle Gardens.

Neighbours managed to extinguish the flames to stop them spreading to nearby flats.

Detective Inspector Winters said: “The fire at a flat in Castle Gardens was reported to us shortly before 9:10pm. Officers responded and attended the scene along with NIFRS who were able to contain the blaze, the majority of which had been extinguished by local residents, and stop it from spreading to other flats.

“Fortunately, no one was inside the flat at the time of the incident, which caused significant damage inside a bedroom, and smoke damage, and we are thankful to NIFRS colleagues for preventing any further damage to the other flats.

“We are working to establish a motive for this reckless incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life at this time, and we are appealing for witnesses to call us on 101, quoting reference number 2208 of 23/07/21.”

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org