Fire started deliberately

A FIRE at a building in the town just hours before the Olympic torch arrived in Banbridge was started deliberately.

The blaze at the three-storey derelict dwelling in Rathfriland Street was well underway when fire crews attended the scene just before 2.30pm on Tuesday June 5.

Three fire appliances worked on the blaze for 45 mins before it was completely extinguished - two from Banbridge and one from Rathfriland.

A police spokesman said, “The fire is being treated as suspicious and police would appeal to anyone who noticed any activity around the building to contact them on 0845 600 8000. If you prefer to provide information without giving your details you can contact the independent Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.