Lagan Group targeted by arsonists

A cross-border police operation is under way to find arsonists who broke into two quarrying operations and caused €1m of damage to machinery belonging to the Lagan Group.

The arsonists struck last Sunday at the sites in Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, and Comber, Co Down, in what gardaí and the PSNI believe to be coordinated attacks against the company.

Garda sources said they believe the break-in at the Carrigtwohill site happened between 6pm and 7pm last Sunday. Unlike the Co Down facility, there was no security guard on duty when the arsonists struck.

They destroyed a loading shovel worth in the region of €100,000. Far more extensive damage was done in Co Down, where large earthmoving equipment worth nearly €900,000 was set alight.

The company said both its facilities were still operational, but emphasised such attacks were putting local jobs in jeopardy.

“We have had to increase security presence at both sites as a result of this to minimise the risk of this criminal activity continuing,” a spokesman said.

* Those with information can contact gardaí on 021 4908530 or 021 4621557.