10/07/2024

67-Year-Old Man Jailed For Somme Park Arson

A 67-year-old man has been jailed for three months at Londonderry Magistrates Court in connection with a deliberate fire in the city earlier this year.

Stephen Greer was arrested and charged by the PSNI after a fire at Somme Park was discovered to have been deliberate.

The Northern Irish Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) called in police after they had dealt with a fire in a communal hallway of an apartment block in the early hours of Friday, 05 April.

Detective Sergeant Gingell said: "A number of residents were in their flats, a place where they should rightly feel safe, at the time this reckless crime was committed. Thankfully, a quick response from firefighters meant the blaze was extinguished with damage contained to the floor of the hallway. There's no doubt, however, this incident was extremely upsetting and worrying for residents and, understandably, caused great fear and concern."

Detective Sergeant Gingell added: "The community can be reassured we will work tirelessly to gather evidence and bring those responsible for crime before the Court where they will be held accountable for their actions."

To contact police, call 101, always 999 for an emergency. You can also submit a report to police online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org


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