Two women are in a critical condition following a fire at a house in Dungannon.

Police officers rescued the two women, aged 37 and 70, along with two boys, aged seven and 10, from the house in Cunninghams Lane on Monday night. The children are in a stable condition.

Eight police officers were treated in hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation but were later released.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after being found on the roof of the house.

Supt Peter Stevenson said police were contacted by the fire service just after 20:30 GMT to say they were heading to a blaze and there were reports that children were trapped.

“Officers immediately made their way to the scene, arriving prior to fire service colleagues,” he said.

“The property was seen to be well alight and knowing that the residents were still inside, officers obtained ladders from neighbouring properties and used them to rescue four people.”

A fifth person, who was found on the roof, was brought to safety. He was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and remains in custody.

Supt Stevenson said he was extremely proud of the eight officers, and all their thoughts are with those who remain in hospital.

“We want to thank the residents of Cunninghams Lane for their assistance with this terrible incident, which was undoubtedly traumatic for all involved,” he added.

“The community will continue to see the presence of the emergency services in the area, as we proceed with our investigation into the cause of this fire.”

At the scene: Niall McCracken, Mid-Ulster reporter

There is still the smell of smoke in the air on Tuesday morning in the Cunninghams Lane area of Dungannon.

In the cold light of day, the full extent of the damage caused by the house fire can now be seen.

Black scorch marks are etched on to the exterior walls and there is a broken upstairs window, with a ladder still perched on it. It was used to rescue those inside.

A police car and police cordon remain at the scene.

The local primary school is just around the corner. Dozens of school children have been walking past the cordon starting at the aftermath of the fire.

David Thompson, principal of Dungannon Primary School, told BBC News NI that the two children were boys at his school.

“We just think of the trauma that those children have gone through,” he said.

“As a school community we want to get the message out there that we will be with those families to help and support them.”

Democratic Unionist Party councillor Clement Cuthbertson said: “There were a number of videos of the fire on social media, and to be honest they were horrific.

He praised the brave actions of the police officers who managed to get the people out of the house before the fire brigade arrived.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it despatched six emergency crews, one hazardous response team, two paramedics and an ambulance officer.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, 12 patients were taken, by ambulance, to Craigavon Area Hospital.