‘Lorry attacks could have jeopardised jobs’

A white Vauxhall Vivaro van was set on fire in Lake Street in the early hours of Thursday morning (April 4).

The incident was reported to the PSNI at 2.36am. The NI Fire and Rescue Service attended and put the fire out.

In the second incident a Scania lorry was set alight at Deramore Drive. It was reported to police at 3.05am. NIFRS attended and dealt with the fire.

Sinn Fein Cllr Noel McGeown has castigated those responsible for the destruction of the two commercial vehicles.

“The arson attacks destroyed a works van in Lake Street and an articulated lorry which was burnt out in Deramore Drive,” said the Sinn Fein councillor.

“It appears that both vehicles were deliberately set on fire.”

The Sinn Féin Councillor pointed out that the firms who owned the lorry and the van are responsible for employing several hundred local workers between them.

“This was a mindless attack which could have had a serious outcome for local residents had it not been for the prompt actions of the Fire and Rescue Service.

“To deliberately set fire to two vehicles beside private homes and private vehicles and in the middle of a residential area defies logic.

“These pointless attacks damaged the ability of two local employers to compete efficiently and effectively in the market place.

“At a time of economic recession such as we are currently experiencing this could well have resulted in the loss of much needed jobs.

“I would ask anyone who has any information about these incidents to pass it on to the police,” said Cllr McGeown.

The PSNI has described both attacks as arson.

A spokesperson said: “Police are appealing to anyone with information in relation to these incidents 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.”

A spokesperson for the NI Fire and Rescue Service said at around 2.30am last Thursday 4 April one fire appliance from Lurgan Fire Station was tasked to a fire involving a van in Lake St.

“It was well alight on arrival of Crews. The fire is thought to have been started deliberately. The incident was dealt with at 2.54am.”

Two appliances from Lurgan and one from Portadown were again tasked at 3.02am on the same night to Deramore Drive. Lurgan

“The fire was well developed on arrival. The fire is thought to have been started deliberately, The incident was dealt with at 3.36am.”