Police appeal after 'completely reckless' arson attack on Newtownards home

Police are appealing for information following a "completely reckless" arson attack that caused extensive damage to a house and could be linked to an ongoing loyalist feud.

It happened at a vacant property in Co Down in the early hours of this morning, Sunday 17th November. Just after 12.40am, officers received a report that colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service were at the scene of a fire in the Weaver’s Grange area of Newtownards.

Officers attended and noted that the fire had caused extensive damage to the front door and smoke damage throughout the house. The Fire Service confirmed that this had been started deliberately when an accelerant had been poured over the door and through the letterbox.

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A PSNI spokesperson said: “This was a completely reckless attack which could have had serious consequences for those in the neighbouring property. Thankfully, our Fire Service colleagues were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to them.

“We are following a number of lines of enquiry, including a possible link to an ongoing loyalist feud in the area.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area at the time of the fire or to anyone who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 40 of 17/11/24."

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

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