20-40 teens were in historic Vernon Mount or its environs around time of blaze

Gardaí are closing in on the Vernon Mount arsonists who torched the historic and protected Georgian villa in Cork City at the weekend.

They have spoken to several teenage suspects over the last 48 hours and have identified two areas where the fire was set, gutting the 18th century property on Sunday.

Superintendent Charlie Barry, who is overseeing the probe, said gardaí are satisfied a gang of between 20 and 40 teenagers were within the surrounds of the historic house and its grounds around the time of the fire.