Body discovered beside car fire in Omagh

One person has died as a result of a fire involving a car in County Tyrone, according to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Officers were alerted to the incident in the Rylagh Road area of Omagh at 14:05 BST on Saturday by members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).

The fire service discovered the body amid efforts to extinguish a Mitsubishi Lancer GS2 that was on fire.

Police said they are treating the incident as arson.

SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossan described the incident as “deeply disturbing”.

The Rylagh Road, which is rural with very few houses nearby, is partially closed and forensic officers remain at the scene.

“Our enquiries as to how the person came to be beside the vehicle are ongoing,” said Detective Inspector Keon.

He appealed to anyone who may have been in the area between 12:00 and 14:15 on Saturday, or who may have noticed anything suspicious, to contact them.

“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.”

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said the death has “shocked the local community”.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the person who has so tragically lost their life.

“It is heartbreaking that someone has died in such harrowing circumstances. People in the area are understandably anxious and looking for answers.

“It is critical that anyone with information – no matter how small – reports it to the PSNI.”