Police say arson attack on vans is not related to recent disorder

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: Columba O'Hare; Category: News; Published: 13 June 2026

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One of the Shelbourne Bakery vans that was destroyed in the arson attack. Photograph: Columba O'Hare/ Newry.ie

Police investigating after two Shelbourne Bakery vans were set on fire in the North Street area of Newry late last evening, 12 June say it is not being treated as hate-related and is not believed to be linked to recent disorder elsewhere.

Chris Kent 30 October and Blondie Tribute 28 December @ Canal Court Hotel

The PSNI received a report of the blaze at approximately 11.25pm on Friday 12th June. Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. Both vehicles were completely destroyed.

Police are treating the incident as arson and no injuries were reported.

Enquiries are ongoing, and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the fire, or who has CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, to get in touch.

Newry City Councillor Valerie Harte has condemned the burning of the vehicles and has asked for anyone with information on the incident to pass it on to the authorities.. “I strongly condemn the disgraceful incident in which two vans belonging to a local business were deliberately burnt out in the car park at North Street, Newry.

She added: "This reckless act has caused significant damage and disruption to a local business and has no place in our community.

Local businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they deserve to be able to operate without fear of intimidation, vandalism or criminal damage. My thoughts are with the business owners and employees affected by this incident.

People with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference 2105 12/06/26. Reports can also be submitted online at psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.