Menu
17/04/2012
Fatal Fire Treated As Arson
Police have said they believe that a fire which killed two women in County Tyrone at the weekend was started deliberately.
Elizabeth McGirr, 71, and her daughter, Deirdre, 38, died in the blaze at Dunlea Vale, Dungannon, at about 10pm on Saturday.
It is understood the mother, who lived nearby and had recently suffered from a stroke, was visiting her daughter when the fire started. They were both trapped inside the top flat of the four-flat complex.
A man in his 30s was also in the house - he managed to escape unhurt.
Sinn Féin Councillor Bronwyn McGahan has said that the community shock has turned to anger.
Councillor McGahan said: "The community was already in shock at the death of these two women but given the news today that the PSNI are now treating the fire as arson that shock has now turned to anger.
"The loss of a mother and daughter is a terrible burden to be inflicted upon a family and my thoughts are with them at this time.
"I would ask that anyone with the slightest bit of information about this horrendous crime to bring it forward immediately so that the perpetrator is caught."
At a press conference the police appealed for information regarding the fire.
The police are yet to establish a motive and have said they are keeping an open mind. They have also appealed to the person who set the fire to 'search their conscience' and come forward.
(LB/GK)
Elizabeth McGirr, 71, and her daughter, Deirdre, 38, died in the blaze at Dunlea Vale, Dungannon, at about 10pm on Saturday.
It is understood the mother, who lived nearby and had recently suffered from a stroke, was visiting her daughter when the fire started. They were both trapped inside the top flat of the four-flat complex.
A man in his 30s was also in the house - he managed to escape unhurt.
Sinn Féin Councillor Bronwyn McGahan has said that the community shock has turned to anger.
Councillor McGahan said: "The community was already in shock at the death of these two women but given the news today that the PSNI are now treating the fire as arson that shock has now turned to anger.
"The loss of a mother and daughter is a terrible burden to be inflicted upon a family and my thoughts are with them at this time.
"I would ask that anyone with the slightest bit of information about this horrendous crime to bring it forward immediately so that the perpetrator is caught."
At a press conference the police appealed for information regarding the fire.
The police are yet to establish a motive and have said they are keeping an open mind. They have also appealed to the person who set the fire to 'search their conscience' and come forward.
(LB/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
18 April 2012
Special Appeal Made Over Fatal Fire
Detectives who are investigating a suspected arson attack which claimed the lives of a mother and daughter in Dungannon have made a special appeal.
Special Appeal Made Over Fatal Fire
Detectives who are investigating a suspected arson attack which claimed the lives of a mother and daughter in Dungannon have made a special appeal.
23 June 2016
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
Police Officers Disciplined For Failing To Tell Doctor About Woman's Head Injuries
Two police officers have been disciplined after they failed to let their colleagues and a police doctor know that a woman had sustained a head injury, a Police Ombudsman investigation has concluded. The woman died from bleeding to the brain on 24 February 2014, the day after she suffered the injury.
23 April 2004
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
Fire crews deal with separate fires in Co Antrim
Police are appealing for information following two suspicious fires in Co Antrim in the early hours of Friday morning. The first fire was discovered at a factory unit in north Belfast at around 12 midnight. It is believed the blaze started when paper inside the unit was set alight. Some windows and two other units were damaged in the fire.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
