A hairdressing business in Co Tyrone has said it is “devastated” after a fire completely destroyed the premises in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The blaze broke out shortly before 3.30am in a residential flat situated above Couture Hair in the Market Street area of Omagh.
In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for the business said they were “still trying to come to terms” with what had happened.
“We are heartbroken to share that the salon has been completely destroyed following a fire in the premises above,” they said.
“In a matter of moments, everything we had worked so hard to build was gone. Our salon, our tools, our products, and so many memories that meant the world to us.
“For some of us, this was our business. For others, it was our workplace. For all of us, it was our second home.
“Although we are devastated, we are incredibly grateful that no one was hurt. That is all that truly matters.
The business thanked their clients, friends and families for their support at an uncertain time.
“Your kindness is helping us through this.
“We don’t know exactly what comes next, but we’ll keep everyone updated as we take our first steps forward. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts.”
The NI Fire & Rescue Service first received a call alerting them to the blaze at 3.24am.
An NIFRS spokesperson said: “Five fire crews and an aerial ladder attended.
“Six water jets were used to extinguish the fire and eight breathing apparatus were used.”
The fire was put out by 6.29am and the last fire crew left the scene shortly before 7.30am on Sunday morning.
The PSNI also attended the scene.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a fire at a residential flat in Market Street, Omagh, shortly before 4am on Sunday 28th June.
“Officers attended to assist Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service with the evacuation of the property and traffic management. The fire is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”