Father 'main suspect' in fire probe

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 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."