Arson suspected following blaze at house in Crossgar

Arson suspected following blaze at house in Crossgar

3 August 2022

INVESTIGATIONS into a suspected arson attack at a house at Lissara Close in Crossgar in the early hours of last Thursday morning are continuing.

The two-storey semi-detached property — which was unoccupied at the time — was substantially damaged during the fire with the roof caving in and water leaking to the downstairs area.

Police have confirmed that a 29-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and on suspicion of disorderly behaviour, was subsequently released pending further enquiries.

The alarm was raised around 2.30am with the blaze subsequently extinguished by firefighters who have been praised for their prompt response by Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews.

The councillor, who lives in the village, says he is pleased that no one was seriously hurt or injured as a result of the fire.

Lissara Close residents have been recalling what they witnessed during the early hours of Thursday morning, with some expressing concern that the fire could have spread to neighbouring properties.

One person who lives nearby the fire ravaged property revealed that she went upstairs and looked out the back of her home and could see the whole back of the house.

“The windows were gone, there were flames coming out and the roof was just ablaze,” the resident recalled. "I came out and I was just talking to the neighbour and the guy that lives in the house wasn't even there when it happened.”

Another local person confirmed initial concerns that the fire might spread and cause even more damage.

"I was running up and down the estate, I had no socks or shoes so I was barefoot and I was trying to alert the neighbours,” said the neighbour.

“There's some people living near the house that have gas heating and my main worry was that the gas went as well you know.It's a home loss, but it's nobody's life lost thankfully,” the neighbour continued, adding that no one knows the circumstances of the fire.

A resident who lives nearby described Lissara Close as close-knit community where people watched out for each other and that it had been a huge shock to those living in the area.

"Naturally your heart goes out to people whose home was damaged and you just can't help feeling sorry for them," they said. "I'm glad there was no injuries or anything like that. It's just that initial shock, it is terrible.”

Police investigating the blaze to establish its cause have issued an appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information or CCTV footage which can assist them with their enquiries.

Officer are also keen to gear from anyone who may have any dash-cam footage that could assist with the investigation to get in touch using the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 139 of 28/07/22.

Information can also be provided anonymously using confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.