A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a house fire in Co Tyrone last night which has left a man and a woman in a critical condition.
A total of 12 people, including two children and eight PSNI officers, were taken to hospital after the blaze, which broke out at Cunninghams Lane in Dungannon at around 8.30pm.
The children are currently in a stable condition, while a 37-year-old man and 70-year-old woman are critical.
The fire caused extensive damage to the property, which was well alight by the time emergency services arrived, with children trapped inside.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers obtained ladders from neighbouring properties and used them to rescue four people inside.
A fifth person - the 21-year-old man who was later arrested on suspicion of arson - was found on the roof and brought to safety.
"Eight local policing officers were taken to hospital for treatment for the effects of smoke inhalation. Thankfully, all were released in the early hours of the morning," the PSNI said in a statement.
The service said it was "extremely proud" of the actions taken by officers, their thoughts are with those who remain in hospital.
"We want to thank the residents of Cunninghams Lane for their assistance with this terrible incident, which was undoubtedly traumatic for all involved.
"The community will continue to see the presence of the emergency services in the area throughout today, as we proceed with our investigation into the cause of this fire."
Members of the police force are carrying out a technical examination on the house while door-to-door enquiries are also taking place as part of the police investigation.
Sinn Féin Councillor Deirdre Varsani has said that the bravery of police officers saved the lives of the family who were trapped in the house last night.
Speaking to RTÉ News, she said she heard that neighbours had contacted the emergency services and "unusually" police arrived before the fire brigade. She said they had to take immediate action.
"Neighbours got them a ladder and they had to take the operational decision to go into the house to rescue the people.
"Those decisive actions of the police were absolutely critical," Cllr Varsani said.
Additional reporting Karen Creed
