Child escapes injury in suspected deliberate house fire in Moneymore

A man has been arrested after a suspected deliberate house fire in Moneymore left one man injured and forced neighbouring residents from their homes.

Emergency services were called to the incident in the Rockview Park area shortly before 2pm on Thursday, March 12, after reports that a property had caught fire while people were inside.

Police say a man and a child were inside the house at the time the blaze broke out.

The child escaped unharmed, while the man was taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Arrest made as investigation begins

Detective Inspector Ryan said officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who managed to bring the fire under control.

“The cause of the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition, and one man aged in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life,” he said.

“He remains in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.”

Neighbours evacuated during emergency

As firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, residents living in neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

Police have now launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Ryan added:

“Anyone who may have any information which could assist is asked to call detectives via 101 and quote reference number 876 of 12/03/26.”

Information can also be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

At a glance

• A house fire was reported in the Rockview Park area of Moneymore on Thursday, March 12.

• Emergency services attended the scene shortly before 2pm.

• A man and a child were inside the property when the fire broke out.

• The child was uninjured, while the man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

• Neighbouring residents were evacuated as a precaution.

• Police are treating the fire as deliberate ignition.

• A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

• He remains in custody assisting police enquiries.

• Detectives are appealing for witnesses or information about the incident.