Woman’s Body Found in Burnt Car in Omagh: Police Investigating as Arson

A woman’s body was discovered on Saturday afternoon at the scene of a car fire in the Rylagh Road area of Omagh, Northern Ireland. Police have confirmed they are treating the incident as arson.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire at approximately 2:05 p.m. BST by members of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), who found the body while extinguishing a burning Mitsubishi Lancer GS2.

Detective Inspector Keon stated that the woman died as a result of the fire. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be carried out later today. He added that investigations are ongoing to determine how the woman came to be at the vehicle.

The Rylagh Road, a quiet and rural area with few nearby houses, remains partially closed. A forensic team was seen at the site, with officers in white protective suits working under a blue tent surrounded by fields and trees.

Police are appealing to the public for any information, particularly from those who were in the area between 12:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. on Saturday. They are especially interested in dashcam or other video footage and sightings of the Mitsubishi Lancer.

Local representatives expressed deep concern over the incident. Independent councillor Josephine Deehan described the death as a “tragic and horrific situation” that has “shocked, saddened, and disturbed” the tight-knit community.

Deehan called the Rylagh Road a “beautiful, tranquil, rural area” and praised emergency services for their swift response to what she described as a “harrowing situation.” She urged the public to assist police in the investigation to help bring closure to the community.

SDLP Assembly Member for West Tyrone, Daniel McCrossan, also expressed condolences, calling the death “deeply disturbing.”

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