Man is quizzed after arson attack on flats

Man is quizzed after arson attack on flats

24 September 2014

A MAN arrested following a fourth arson attack at a block of flats in Downpatrick has been released on bail.

The arrest of the 49-year-old followed yet another fire in McLaughlin House on Saul Street in the early hours of Friday morning.

It is understood the man is being questioned about all four recent incidents. Police said he had been released on bail pending further enquiries.

In the latest attack on Friday an attempt was made to set fire to the front door of a flat on the top floor.

The fire, which caused minor damage, comes just two weeks after a similar attack at the complex when a fire was started in the stairwell.

Back in May a bin was set on fire on a communal stairway in the flats which led to a man being carried out unconscious by firefighters and £15,000 worth of damage caused. This was followed in June by a minor fire which was started outside the flats when rubbish was set on fire.

Downpatrick councillor Naomi Baillie has repeated her calls for the Housing Executive to improve security at McLaughlin House.

She said the Executive needs to install appropriate fire and safety equipment, stating that there are no fire alarms, fire extinguishers or fire escape stars for those living on the top level.

A spokeswoman for the Housing Executive said the blaze resulted in some minor damage to a letterbox but the fire door was undamaged.

“McLaughlin House operates a door entry system with a security call panel providing controlled access to the six flats,” said an Executive spokeswoman.

“This ensures only tenants and those to whom they grant access can enter the communal areas. Additionally, only residents have keys for the back door of the building. Furthermore, each of the individual properties in McLaughlin House is fitted with a fire alarm.

“We recently arranged for an independent fire risk assessor to look at McLaughlin House. Some minor recommendations were made which will be implemented shortly. We will also be reminding tenants of their responsibility to ensure the front and back doors remain closed at all times. 

“Following a previous fire at the end of May the Housing Executive carried out a £15,000 refurbishment of McLaughlin House in Downpatrick,” she added.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for information on the latest attack which occurred just before 1am on Friday.

Detective Inspector Debbie Eakin said the first call reported that a flat was on fire in the area.

“It is believed that an attempt was made to set fire to the front door of the vacant property,” she said. “No one was inside the property at the time of the incident and minor damage was caused to a letterbox. Enquiries are continuing.

“Police are aware of a number of similar incidents in the Saul Street area over recent times, and police are continuing to carry out a robust investigation to bring those responsible before the courts.

“Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact detectives at Downpatrick Police Station on the non emergency number 101. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”