Man found dead inside car after late-night vehicle fire in Portadown

A man has been found dead inside a car following a late-night vehicle fire in Portadown, with police now investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

The emergency services were called to Harford Street at around 10pm on Saturday, 8 August, after a report that a car was on fire.

Police attended alongside crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

Man pronounced dead at scene

Chief Inspector Tierney said:

“At approximately 10pm on Saturday evening, 8th August we received a report of a car on fire in the Harford Street area of the town.

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the fire.

“Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) were also tasked to the scene to conduct relevant enquiries – we can confirm there is no risk to the public.”

Police said the vehicle sustained significant damage in the fire, while a neighbouring property was also affected.

Chief Inspector Tierney continued:

“Significant damage was caused to the car, as well as a number of windows smashed and scorch damage observed to a neighbouring property in the area.

“Sadly, we can confirm the body of a man was located inside the vehicle. He was pronounced deceased at the scene – and a post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course to determine the cause of death.”

Cause of fire under investigation

Police have not yet established what caused the fire or the circumstances which led to the man’s death.

Chief Inspector Tierney added:

“The circumstances surrounding what happened are still under investigation, and enquiries are ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

“We would appeal to anyone who was in the area and witnessed what happened to make contact with us on 101, quoting reference number 1764 08/08/26.”

Anyone with information can also submit a report using the PSNI’s online non-emergency reporting form⁠.

Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or through the Crimestoppers website⁠.

A post-mortem examination will now be carried out to establish the cause of the man’s death, while detectives continue enquiries to determine how the vehicle fire started and the circumstances surrounding what happened.