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Northern Ireland house fire: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after three killed in blaze

Emergency services working to establish cause of incident at detached bungalow in rural Derrylin

Tom Batchelor
Tuesday 27 February 2018 06:13 EST
Emergency services at a house in Derrylin, where three people died in a fire
Emergency services at a house in Derrylin, where three people died in a fire (PA)

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A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three people died in a house fire in Northern Ireland, police said.

Fire crews were called shortly after 7am to a "well-developed" blaze at a bungalow in Derrylin, County Fermanagh.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service tweeted two hours later to say the blaze had been extinguished.

The suspect was detained at the scene and transferred to hospital for treatment prior to his arrest, police said.

Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy said: “At this time we believe the fire, which has claimed at least three lives, was started deliberately.

"We are continuing to thoroughly examine the scene along with our colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

"Our thoughts are with family, friends, local community and all of those affected by this tragic incident."

The fire was attended by crews from Lisnaskea and Enniskillen.

Michelle Gildernew, Sinn Fein MP for the area, which is close to the border, offered her condolences.

"Devastating news for the family concerned and the Derrylin community. This is absolutely tragic, God help them all," she said.

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