Person dies after suspected arson attack on car in Co Tyrone as community left ‘shocked' and cops appeal for witnesses
DETECTIVES are treating a sudden death from a car fire as arson.
Police in Omagh, Co Tyrone are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blaze, to which they were alerted on Saturday afternoon.
1
The PSNI are investigating the incident
Credit: Niall Carson/PA Wire
They are enquiring as to how a person came to be found dead beside the burning car in the Rylagh Road area of the town.
Cops are now urging anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone who saw the car beforehand to get in touch.
PSNI Detective Inspector Adrian Keon said: 'Just before 2.05pm, we received a report from our colleagues in Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service that a vehicle – a silver Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 - was on fire in the Rylagh Road area of the town.
'As fire officers extinguished the blaze they discovered that, tragically, a person had died as a result of the fire.
'We are treating this fire as arson, and our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing.
'We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area between midday and 2.15pm yesterday, who may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact us.
'We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who had dashcam or other footage and would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed this particular vehicle.'
SDLP West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan expressed his deep shock and sympathy following the tragic death.
He added: 'This is a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the local community. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who has so tragically lost their life.
'It is heartbreaking that someone has died in such harrowing circumstances.
"People in the area are understandably anxious and looking for answers.
'It is critical that anyone with information – no matter how small – reports it to the PSNI.
"The victim's family deserves truth and justice.
"I will be following developments closely and supporting efforts to ensure a full investigation.'
Mr McCrossan also commended the swift response of emergency services and reiterated the need for calm and cooperation as the investigation continues.
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