Arson attack in Newry could have been 'catastrophic' – PSNI

Police said the fire caused a leak to an external gas pipe at the residential property
Arson attack in Newry could have been 'catastrophic' – PSNI

Muireann Duffy

Police in the North are investigating after a fire at a residential property in the Stream Street area of Newry.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) were notified of the fire by the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service shortly after 4.40am on Sunday.

The force confirmed they believe "ignition was deliberate", adding that extensive damage was caused to the property and the fire had also caused a leak in an external gas pipe.

The PSNI described it as a "serious fire", adding the gas leak "threatened the lives of the residents of the property and their neighbours".

"Thankfully, they were all evacuated safely, but if our Fire Service colleagues had not acted so swiftly the consequences of this fire could have been catastrophic," a statement from the PSNI said.

Investigators are treating the incident as arson and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

More in this section

Police Stock Two men charged in connection with violence in Ballymena
Sean Brown public inquiry 'Fight to defend Irish neutrality is on', Sinn Féin leader tells rally
Pedestrian (30s) seriously injured after collision in Cork Pedestrian (30s) seriously injured after collision in Cork

Sponsored Content

Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event  Digital advertising in focus at Irish Examiner’s Lunch & Learn event 
Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival  Experience a burst of culture with Cork Midsummer Festival 
How to get involved in Bike Week 2025 How to get involved in Bike Week 2025
Us Cookie Policy and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more