Police probe arson attack at Newcastle flats

Police probe arson attack at Newcastle flats

30 September 2015

AN arson attack on oil tanks behind a row of flats in Newcastle has been condemned as “despicable” by a local councillor.

Willie Clarke said the recent fire at the rear of Bracken Avenue in Newcastle could have led to lives being lost.

“This is the latest arson attack in this area and only the quick response of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service ensured that damage to the flats were limited,” he said.

“This is an obnoxious and despicable incident and one in which, in other circumstances, lives would have been lost”. 

Councillor Clarke said there was considerable damage to the exterior of a number of properties adjacent to the oil tanks, including damage to PVC windows and guttering. Windows were also cracked by the intense heat. 

“I spoke to a number of residents, who include pensioners and other vulnerable people, and they are shocked by this latest incident,” he said. “They are demanding an adequate response from all the statutory bodies to curtail these attacks.

“Residents in this community cannot be expected to live with the fear of the next arson attack or left with the visual aftermath of these incidents. There needs to be a coordinated and focussed response to these arson attacks, by all the agencies.

“I would ask people in the area to bring forward any information which they have. Information can be given through the usual PSNI contact numbers or indeed to myself or any other public representative confidentially. I will be meeting Housing Executive and PSNI officers with a view to seeking extra security measures for these residents.”