Another arson attack at Downpatrick flats

Another arson attack at Downpatrick flats

31 December 2014

RESIDENTS at a flats complex in Downpatrick which has again been targeted by arsonists say they are living in fear.

The McLaughlin House complex at Saul Street has been attacked on several occasions over recent months with the most recent incident occurring on December 23 when waste bins at the rear of the property were set alight during the early hours.

One alert resident who spotted the fire used a garden hose to douse the flames before they could spread to the main building. The Fire and Rescue Service and local police were also alerted.

“An alert neighbour spotted the bins on fire and managed to douse the flames before the Fire Service arrived,” revealed one concerned resident who contacted the Recorder.

“Given the number of fires there have been over recent months residents are very frightened when they go to bed at night as they simply don’t know if another fire will be started.”

The resident said the Housing Executive has implemented a number of security measures at the complex to make the building more secure.

He explained while the work has been welcomed, there is major concern that fires are still being started at the rear of the flats.

“We are losing count of the number of fires there have been over the past number of months.

The most serious fire earlier in the year resulted in some of us having to move out to allow repair work to be completed,” he continued.

“We all want to see an end to these disturbing incidents and hope whoever is responsible will be caught. We do not want to live in fear.”

Condemning the latest incident, councillor Éamonn Mac Con Midhe said it is a “matter of great concern” that McLaughlin House is being targeted on a such a regular occasion.

He said the deliberate fires are a concern for residents and the wider community, calling for whoever is responsible for the arson attacks “to be apprehended.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe continued: “The actions of the resident who put out the most recent fire are to be commended. Given that the blaze was started in the early hours, this fire could easily have spread to the main building.

“The repercussions of the most recent fire could have been far-reaching. It is important people who live at this part of the town report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of these flats to the authorities.”

Councillor Mac Con Midhe said the lives of residents need to be protected and hopes the vigilance of local people and the efforts of the PSNI and Housing Executive can identify whoever is responsible for starting fires at the flats complex.

He added: “The Executive is alarmed at the number of attacks at this flats complex and has worked to protect the residents who live there. It’s now vital those responsible for starting these fires are apprehended.”