Larne fire being treated as arson as derelict building 'completely destroyed'

A derelict building in a Co Antrim town was "completely destroyed" in a fire police are treating as arson.

At around 6.40pm on Wednesday, May 15, a report was made of a fire at a derelict building in the Upper Main Street area of Larne. Police attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze.

The town was closed while the fire was brought under control, and the building was destroyed due to the incident with nearby buildings having to be evacuated.

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Police are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and who may have any information to get in touch with detectives. They are also appealing to two young men who were in the area at the time who may be able to assist with enquiries as part of the investigation.

In a statement on the incident, a spokesperson for the PSNI said: "Shortly before 6.40pm, a report was received of a fire at a derelict building in the Upper Main Street area of the town. Officers attended the scene together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze. The town centre was closed to traffic for several hours whilst NIFRS officers brought the fire under control.

"The building was left completely destroyed as a result of the incident, and premises close by had to be evacuated whilst the NIFRS dealt with it. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however, the fire could easily have spread to neighbouring properties had it not been for the swift action of firefighters.

"We are treating this incident as arson, and appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time, and may have any information which could assist us with our enquiries, to contact detectives.

“As part of our ongoing investigation, we would also appeal to two young males, one of whom was wearing a red tracksuit top with red shorts, and the other who was dressed in a black and white tracksuit, who were in the area at the time, and may be able to assist us with our enquiries, to get in touch. The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 1522 of 15/05/24."

You can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

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