Two men arrested over Tyrone arson attack

By Jonathan McCambridge, Press Association

Two men have been arrested over an arson attack at a property in Co Tyrone.

Police received a report at 7.10pm on Saturday of a flat fire in the Sullenboy Park area of Cookstown.

The fire had been extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service before officers arrived at the scene.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Substantial damage was caused to the upstairs flat – as well as fumes and smoke that spread to neighbouring properties – resulting in an evacuation of some residents.

“These affected residents have since been allowed to return home.

“Thankfully, no-one was in the flat at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.”

We are treating this report as arson with intent to endanger life – with two men, aged 20 and 22, arrested and currently in police custody assisting with our enquiries today

The spokesperson said: “This was a reckless fire that could have resulted in much more serious consequences, risking life and a clear attempt to destroy someone’s home.

“As a result, we are treating this report as arson with intent to endanger life – with two men, aged 20 and 22, arrested and currently in police custody assisting with our enquiries today.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who observed suspicious behaviour in the area at the time of the report.

“Please make contact with us on 101, quoting reference number 1232 31/01/26 if you have any information, including CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of the area that could help with our investigation.”