Arson suspected in community centre fire

Arsonists are suspected of setting alight a community recreation centre, which was badly damaged in an overnight fire in the North, the fire service said today.

About 30 firefighters battled the blaze at a building in Willow Crescent in Ballynahinch’s loyalist Langley Road estate.

When they arrived at the scene at about 2.45am today, they discovered two blazing wheelie bins placed against the building.

Downpatrick station commander Brian Irvine said the flames spread to the roof of the centre, which had been used in recent weeks by children in a summer scheme and is also used by football and hockey players.

“It appears the flames from the wheelie bins spread into the roof,“ he said.

“It would seem the bins had been left out for collection.

“Fire crews from Downpatrick, Newcastle and Ballynahinch battled the blaze and there was support from Lisburn.

“They were able to contain the fire but I would say half of the building has been saved.

“Locals on the scene were devastated. This is a fantastic community resource and it would seem someone or some people have set out to destroy it.”