Omagh fire: Four treated for smoke inhalation after arson attack

Police said extensive damage was caused inside the house

Four people have been treated for smoke inhalation after an arson attack at a house in Omagh, County Tyrone.

Police said extensive damage was caused inside the property after it is believed flammable liquid was poured through a letterbox on Wednesday morning.

It happened in Winters Grove just before 03:45 BST.

The homeowner told BBC News NI that his wife raised the alarm and shouted to the rest of the family to get out.

'Absolutely heartbreaking'

Derek Greenaway was in the house with his wife and his teenage stepchildren.

"A smoke alarm went off and all I could hear was her [his wife] shouting up the stairs," he said.

"I jumped up and all I could hear her shouting was: 'Get out, get out.'

"I got to the top of the landing and could see all the smoke coming up the stairs and the orange glow of the flames at the bottom, so I didn't know if I was going to get out or not.

"I had to get the two kids out as well."

Speaking outside his home he said the fire has affected them deeply and "it is absolutely heartbreaking."

Derek Greenaway said he wants to know why his home was targeted

'Extremely reckless'

Det Insp Winters said it was an "extremely reckless incident".

"We are grateful to our colleagues in the Fire Service for tackling this fire, which could have had very serious consequences for those affected," the officer said.

The attack happened in the Winters Grove area of Omagh

"An investigation is under way, and I am appealing to anyone who may have any information which may assist us, including CCTV, dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to get in touch."

The four occupants of the house were treated at the scene by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.