19/01/2009

Fires Probed

As the police investigate the circumstances of an arson attack in Newtownards, another overnight fire - this time at an industrial estate in Crumlin - is also being treated as suspicious.

The second blaze broke out at Dundrod Road, Nutts Corner, shortly before 2.30am this morning (Monday).

Eight fire appliances attended the blaze in which several units were damaged and some were destroyed.

The Dundrod Road was closed for a few hours but has since been re-opened to traffic.

Meanwhile, the weekend fire in Ards targeted a Masonic hall - situated at Corry Street.

It was first broken into and ransacked before being set alight at approximately 11pm on Sunday.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that minor smoke damage was caused to the building and appealed for witnesses to come forward with information.

In another attempted arson attack, this time in Belfast, a man and woman escaped injury after a petrol bomb was thrown through a glass door of a house.

The attack happened in the Springfield Road area of west Belfast on Saturday just before 10pm.

The couple were taken to hospital, but are reported not to have been seriously injured in the incident.

(BMcC/JM)

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