Families flee homes during fire

A FIRE which razed a house in Rathfriland on Sunday, damaging two adjoining homes, has left three families homeless in the run-up to Christmas.

The fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately, destroyed the Spelga Drive house in which it started and quickly spread to homes on either side.

Fire appliances from Rathfriland, Newry and Banbridge rushed to the scene and fire-fighters worked for several hours to bring the blaze under control. Police and ambulance crews were also on stand-by.

No-one was injured, although a 39 year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident and is currently helping police with their enquiries.

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE THIS WEEK’S LEADER.