Ballycastle houses damaged in fire

Two houses have been damaged in a early morning fire at Glentaise Drive in Ballycastle. PICTURE STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

Police are still attending the scene of the fire..

The fire was reported to police just after 8am today (Monday 28 September). NIFRS are also in attendance.

Inspector Tony Boyce said: “It is thought that three properties have been caught up in the fire but no one has been injured as a result.

Two houses have been destroyed in a early morning fire at Glentaise Drive in Ballycastle. PICTURE STEVEN MCAULEY/MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

“We are investigating the possibility that the fire was started deliberately. Anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area before 8am this morning is asked to call Ballycastle police on the non-emergency number 101.”

Independent Councillor Padraig McShane praised the quick response of the Fire Service and those who alerted emergency services to the scene.

“I do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of any investigation but I share the concerns of many following this fire. More importantly I am relieved that no one has been hurt or worse in this incident.”

Sinn Fein Councillor Cara McShane said: “Firstly my thoughts are with the people living in the three properties affected by the fire. It is my understanding that all of the single bedroom properties were occupied and that all tenants have escaped unharmed.

“I have been liaising with the Housing Executive and they have personnel at the scene to help all of those people impacted this morning and to ensure they are assessed and rehoused without delay.

“A full investigation is now underway and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.”