Father 'main suspect' in Omagh house fire case

The North's worst house fire tragedy which killed a family of seven became a murder investigation tonight - with the father the prime suspect.

Forensic tests revealed that petrol was sprinkled inside their home and then set alight.

Neighbours of Arthur McElhill, 39, said they were stunned by the police announcement less than 36 hours after flames swept through his home in Omagh, Co Tyrone.

Stephen Mullan, 21, who tried to rescue him, said: "I am just numb."

Mr McElhill and his partner Lorraine McGovern, 30, were last seen alive as he tried to break open an upstairs window. Their five children, Caroline, 13, Sean, seven, Bellina, four, Clodagh, one and James, just 10 months, also died in the inferno.

Police said tonight they had accounted for the remains of all seven.

Detectives have not commented in detail about the murder investigation, but it is understood Mr McElhill is considered the chief - and only - suspect.

Chief Superintendent Norman Baxter, head of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's serious crime squad, had earlier refused to comment on claims that officers had been called to the house on a previous occasion or that there had been some sort of commotion between the two adults before the fire broke out.

Post-mortem examinations will be carried out once the bodies are removed, but only after a thorough forensic examination by an expert from England who specialises in fire investigations.

Neighbours said they heard screams coming from the house as the flames shot through the house, and Mr McElhill was spotted with his partner at an upstairs window.

A ladder was pushed up against the front of the house though the rescue bid had to be abandoned because of the intense heat.

Mr Mullan, a tiler who lived two doors away, said: "I am just numb. I don't think it is sinking in yet."

Other neighbours said they were shocked by the development. Ross Hannaway, 53, said: "I can't believe this. It is just to terrible to think about. You used to see the kids out playing all the time, and now they are just gone. Why would anybody want to do this?"

Jim Devine, 36, a painter, said people needed answers. He added: "I just think it is outrageous whoever did this. Nobody deserves to have this happening to them. I am dumbfounded. This is the last thing this community needs."

Police are likely to speak with friends, neighbours and workmates of Mr McElhill as part of their investigation.

He worked as stockman for James Crammond, who owns a farm just off the Dublin Road on the outskirts of Omagh. Asked if he thought one of his workers could have been responsible for the tragedy, Mr Crammond replied: "I would be totally amazed."

Mr McElhill also owned cattle which he kept on other land near Omagh.

Mr Crammond said: "I would be totally amazed if they suspected Arthur, that would totally amaze me, but I suppose they have to look at all the angles.

"He spent a lot of time looking after his family, some of them were not very well, heart murmurs, child problems.

"They seemed fairly close, yes. He worked for me for five to six years when he was fit.

"He was a very capable worker when he was fit. I knew he took a drink."

The bodies of the seven are expected to be removed from the ruins of the end of terrace house tomorrow. Post-mortem examinations will be carried out later, a vital part of the police inquiries.

Superintendent Baxter said: "This is one of the most tragic and devastating murder investigations that PSNI has had to encounter with the loss of so many young lives.

"Our initial forensic examination of the home has established that there was a significant quantity of accelerant discovered in the property. It is too early at this stage to rule anything in or anything out."

John McGlinn, a 21-year-old window cleaner, was among those who tried to save the family. He said he saw the parents at the bedroom window desperately trying to break free before flames engulfed the premises like a bonfire.

"The screaming I will never forget - it was as if the whole place had been amplified, you could hear every noise. It was like being in a cinema with surround sound."

The family had just bought a new car and young people in the area said they seemed very happy.

Samone Sharkey, 13, used to go to school with eldest daughter Caroline and said she was a keen camogie player.

"She was very bright, we were good friends. I was in the house on Saturday, she was happy, looking forward to Christmas and getting a new phone."