Cops probe circumstances surrounding body found in burning car after Co Tyrone arson attack
Emergency services at the scene on The Rylagh Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
An MLA has said that a Co Tyrone community has been left in shock after a person died following a 'disturbing incident" linked to an arson attack on a car.
Police are investigating the sudden death with occurred in Omagh yesterday.
The person has not yet been named and the PSNI are working to discover how the deceased came to be beside the burning car.
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SDLP MLA Daniel McCrossan said: '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.'
The West Tyrone MLA added: '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 commended the swift response of emergency services and reiterated the need for calm and cooperation as the investigation continues.
Detective Inspector Keon said: 'Just before 2.05pm, we received a report from our colleagues in Northern Ireland Fire & 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.'
Emergency services at the scene on The Rylagh Road outside Omagh, Co. Tyrone. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye
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