Probe into fire at building that was to house sex offender's family

An investigation is underway after a fire at a house that was to become the home of the family of a convicted sex offender.

Protests have being held at the house in Ashford, Co Wicklow after the local council tried to move the family - and not the sex offender - into the house.

The local authority had already tried to house the family in Kilcoole, Redcross and Rathnew but there had been protests there too.

Local Councillor Nicky Kelly said locals thought the sex offender would be moving in and it has caused a lot of upset and annoyance.