Newry fire and gas leak 'threatened lives of residents', PSNI warns

The PSNI is investigating an arson attack at house in Newry.

Police were alerted by the NIFRS at around 4.30am today (Sunday) to a blaze in the Stream Street area.

They confirmed the fire was lit deliberately, and caused extensive damage to the property, including damage to an external gas pipe which caused a leak.

The PSNI says the fire threatened the lives of those inside the house and their neighbours, however everyone was evacuated safely.

Detective Sergeant Dougherty said: “Just after 4.40am today, Sunday 30th July, we received a report from our colleagues in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service of a fire at a residential property in the Stream Street area.

“They confirmed that ignition was deliberate. Extensive damage was caused to the property, and the fire caused a leak in an external gas pipe.

“This was a serious fire, and the gas leak threatened the lives of the residents of the property and their neighbours. Thankfully, they were all evacuated safely, but if our Fire Service colleagues had not acted so swiftly the consequences of this fire could have been catastrophic.

“We are treating this report as arson with intent to endanger life and our enquiries are continuing. We are appealing to anyone with information, or who may have witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area, to get in touch.”

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