Second teenager arrested in Drogheda factory fire investigation

A second teenager has been arrested by gardaí investigating a suspicious fire at a factory in Drogheda, Co Louth overnight.

Gardaí have said they are following a definite line of inquiry into a suspected arson attack at the Dawn Paper factory on the Donore Road in Drogheda.

A 14-year-old boy was arrested a short distance from the plant, he has been questioned and has since released without charge.

Just before 12pm gardaí arrested a 17-year-old boy and he is being held for questioning at Dundalk Garda Station.

The plant, which has manufactured industrial cleaning paper and domestic tissue for the Irish market since 1988, has been destroyed in the overnight blaze.

The roof of the building has collapsed and fire crews are continuing to dowse the premises, which is expecting to stay smouldering for days.

* Pictures Ciara Wilkinson and video courtesy of Anthony Murphy.