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18/04/2012
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.
Elizabeth McGirr, 71, and her daughter, Deirdre, 38, died in the blaze at Dunlea Vale, Dungannon, at about 10pm on Saturday and since then the police have revealed that the fire is being treated as arson.
Police have urged anyone who spoke to the victims specifically on the day of the blaze to contact them.
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.
The police are yet to establish a motive and have said they are keeping an open mind. 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 that the PSNI are now treating the fire as arson that shock has now turned to anger."
Police have appealed to the person who set the fire to 'search their conscience' and come forward.
And in a fresh appeal made today, officers are specifically asking anyone who spoke to either of the women that day to contact the Special Incident Room set up at Dungannon PSNI station on 028 8775 0559.
(LB)
Elizabeth McGirr, 71, and her daughter, Deirdre, 38, died in the blaze at Dunlea Vale, Dungannon, at about 10pm on Saturday and since then the police have revealed that the fire is being treated as arson.
Police have urged anyone who spoke to the victims specifically on the day of the blaze to contact them.
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.
The police are yet to establish a motive and have said they are keeping an open mind. 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 that the PSNI are now treating the fire as arson that shock has now turned to anger."
Police have appealed to the person who set the fire to 'search their conscience' and come forward.
And in a fresh appeal made today, officers are specifically asking anyone who spoke to either of the women that day to contact the Special Incident Room set up at Dungannon PSNI station on 028 8775 0559.
(LB)
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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.
