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Newry City Councillors have condemned an arson attack in the city that resulted in a house in Stream Street being extensively damaged. It's believed that the couple living in the house had to escape through a balcony at the back of the property.
Cllr Savage said: "The alarm was raised at around 4:40am on Sunday when the front of the property was well ablaze. "Thankfully the couple inside, who are believed to be Polish, escaped through the rear of the property and fire crews were able to cut off the gas supply as I believe the pipe at the front was in danger of being fractured. "
Cllr Savage believes were it not for the quick actions of the fire service we could have been looking at another tragedy like Creeslough.
He continued "The PSNI need to determine the motive for this reckless attack and determine if this was a hate crime.
"Newry is an ethnically diverse city with good community relations and the large Polish community are cherished citizens in this city who contribute to our economy, work hard and add positively to the rich tapestry of backgrounds here.
"Those who carried out this attack do not speak for the people of Newry and they have no regard for life. I totally condemn this reckless act and would ask anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident to contact the PSNI."
Councillor Valerie Harte also spoke out about the attack. Cllr Harte said “I unreservedly condemn this deplorable arson attack which has caused serious damage to a home as well as damage to a gas pipe.
“This reckless attack has left the local community in shock, and it’s a relief that no one was injured.
“A police investigation is now underway and I would encourage anyone with information to bring it forward.”
