Write a commentTwo males aged 20 years old and 18 years old have been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life following a report of a fire at residential premises at Cloughreagh, Newry on Wednesday night.
Sergeant Peter Stevenson said: "Shortly after 11:30pm, it was reported that a bungalow in the area was set alight. No one is believed to have been in the property at the time of the incident. Northern Ireland Fire Rescue Service attended the scene and the fire was extinguished. "Enquiries are continuing, but police believe the fire was started deliberately. "Both men arrested are currently in police custody."
SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has condemned the incident saying “This is an ugly incident and one in which, in other circumstance, someone could have been severely injured. Thankfully there was no one in the house at the time and the quick response of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service ensured that damage to the house was limited.
"I would ask people in the area to bring forward any information which they have and which may be of use to the police. Information can be given through the usual police contacts or indeed to myself or any other public representative confidentially.
"Cloughreagh is a quiet community where people look out for each other. An incident like this is not in keeping with the ethos of the local area. I believe it to be an isolated incident.”
Fews area Sinn Féin Councillor Dáire Hughes has said he shares the sense of shock of the news of an alleged arson attack at a home in the Cloughreagh area. "The local people I have talked to from the locality are deeply shocked about this incident. By all accounts the fire took hold quite quickly" said the Councillor who added "We are once again thankful to our Fire & Emergencey Services who attended the scene.
