Incendiary sparks Xmas bomb campaign fears

Fears of a Christmas bombing blitz in Northern Ireland were heightened tonight after it was confirmed a blaze at a major DIY store was caused by an incendiary bomb.

The B&Q superstore at the Sprucefield retail park outside Lisburn, Co Antrim, was extensively damaged in an overnight fire.

It took more than 100 firefighters several hours to get the fire, which started in the rugs department, under control.

The rest of the store, which opened earlier this year, was damaged by smoke and water from the sprinkler system.

Police called those responsible for the arson attack “mindless criminals”.