10/03/2020

Elderly Man Suffers Smoke Inhalation In Co Down Arson

A man aged in 90s was left in need of treatment for smoke inhalation after two arson attacks in Downpatrick.

Police are probing a link between two deliberate ignitions in the Killough Walk and Vianstown Heights area of the town, less than a mile from each other, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

A seat was reportedly set alight outside a flat in the Killough Walk area and placed against the front door of the property shortly after 4.10am. The blaze caused "extensive damage" to the door.

One man, aged in his 20s, was inside at the time but was uninjured. Smoke damage was caused in the communal area of the flats, however, where the elderly man suffered smoke inhalation.

Police say a white Seat Leon car was then set alight outside a property in the nearby Vianstown Heights some five minutes later.

A brick was thrown through the window before the fire was started from inside.

NIFRS attended the scene to extinguish the blaze however the vehicle was completely destroyed.

Detective Inspector Handley said: "Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, we are investigating a link between these two incidents of deliberate ignition.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 115 of 10/03/20."



(JG/CM)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

08 January 2018
Man Arrested On Suspicion Of Arson Released On Bail
A man arrested on suspicion of arson in Finaghy has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Two people were rescued from a blaze at a house in the area on Sunday, 07 January. The fire was reported at around 2.30am and emergency services attended the scene. A 32-year-old man and a woman in her 60s were rescued from the property.
24 September 2014
Man Hospitalised Following House Fire
A man is being treated in hospital for smoke inhalation following a fire at a house in Antrim. The fire broke out at a property in the Donore Crescent area at around 3.10am on Wednesday. A number of nearby homes are thought to have been damaged in the fire. A man, aged 29, was taken to hospital for treatment for smoke inhalation.
21 January 2020
NIFRS Renews Smoke Alarm Plea
Home owners are being reminded of the need to have a working smoke alarm following two fatal house fires in December. The NIFRS emphasised the need to prioritise fire safety in the home after two accidental blazes occured at premises without working smoke alarms.
30 March 2016
Woman Jumps To Safety To Escape House Fire In Co Armagh
A woman is being treated for minor injuries in hospital after she jumped from the first floor of a property to escape a fire in Co Armagh. The blaze started at a house in the Navan Court area shortly before 8.20pm on Tuesday. Around 20 firefighters attended the scene and extinguished the fire. The woman is also being treated for smoke inhalation.
27 March 2006
Man in serious condition after Portrush fire
A 39-year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital after being injured during a fire at his flat in Portrush. It is understood that the man suffered extensive burns to his lower body and was treated for the effects of smoke inhalation.