Body found at burning vehicle in Omagh — Police treating fire as arson

Police in Omagh have launched a major investigation following the discovery of a body at the scene of a car fire in the Rylagh Road area on Saturday afternoon.

The incident occurred just before 2.05pm on Saturday, 2 August, when emergency services were alerted to a vehicle alight.

A silver Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 had caught fire, prompting a response from the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

Detective Inspector Keon confirmed that during the efforts to extinguish the blaze, fire officers made the tragic discovery that a person had died at the scene.

“We are treating this fire as arson, and our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing,” DI Keon stated.

Police are now urgently appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward as part of their investigation.

“We would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area between midday and 2.15pm yesterday, who may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact us,” said DI Keon.

“We would be particularly keen to hear from anyone who had dashcam or other footage and would also like to hear from anyone who may have noticed this particular vehicle.”

Members of the public are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 982 02/08/25. Alternatively, reports can be made online via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police have not yet confirmed the identity of the deceased or whether foul play is suspected beyond the arson investigation. A post-mortem examination and forensic analysis are expected to follow.