Scotch Quarter pub hit by arsonists

Police are investigating a second suspected arson attack in Carrick after the historic Joymount Arms pub was targeted on Tuesday morning.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Jun 2013, 11:08 BST
A fire broke out at Ownies bar & restaurant in the early hours of Tuesday morning. INCT 26-486-RMA fire broke out at Ownies bar & restaurant in the early hours of Tuesday morning. INCT 26-486-RM
A fire broke out at Ownies bar & restaurant in the early hours of Tuesday morning. INCT 26-486-RM

Fire and rescue crews attended the scene at around 1:45am, finding the fire well developed on the ground floor of the Scotch Quarter premises.

A number of nearby residents were evacuated, but were able to return to their homes just after 4:00am.

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It is the second such incident at the Joymount Arms after a previous arson attack in December 2011 caused extensive damage to the building.

Councillor Andrew Wilson, chair of Carrickfergus Policing and Community Safety Partnership, visited the premises on Tuesday.

“It’s sad to see local business taking another hit; I hope that Joymount will be back on its feet as soon as possible,” he said.

Meanwhile, the derelict Northgate Bar on North Street was gutted by fire in a separate incident of suspected arson on Saturday morning.

Related topics:Andrew WilsonPoliceCarrickFireNorth Street