Two men arrested after arson attack forces evacuation of Cookstown residents

Two men have been arrested following an arson attack on a residential flat in Cookstown that caused significant damage and forced the evacuation of neighbouring residents.

Police confirmed they received a report of a fire at an upstairs flat in the Sullenboy Park area at approximately 7.10pm on Saturday, 31 January.

A PSNI spokesperson said:

“We received a report at approximately 7.10pm on Saturday, 31st January of a flat fire in the Sullenboy Park area.

“Upon officers’ arrival, the fire had already been extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.”

The blaze caused extensive damage to the upper-floor property, with smoke and fumes spreading to nearby homes, prompting emergency services to evacuate some residents as a precaution.

The spokesperson added:

“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.”

Police described the incident as extremely serious, stressing that the consequences could have been far worse had the flat been occupied at the time.

“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 of the investigation, officers have arrested two men, aged 20 and 22, who remain in police custody assisting with enquiries.

“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.”

The incident has caused understandable concern within the local community, with residents temporarily displaced and a family home left badly damaged.

Police are continuing to appeal for information and are urging anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who has relevant footage, to come forward.

“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.”

A report can also be made online via the PSNI reporting portal at:

www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.