Bonfire set alight in Portadown was 'arson' police say

Edgarstown bonfire
Author: Nigel GouldPublished 23rd Jun 2022
Last updated 23rd Jun 2022

Police are treating a bonfire being set alight in Portadown last night (Wednesday) as arson.

NIFRS Group Commander Paul Gould said a quantity of pallets and bonfire material had been set alight.

He said two appliances from the Portadown station were mobilised to the incident at Margaret Street just after midnight.

Three firefighting jets were used to bring the blaze under control and it was dealt with by 2am.

The bonfire is located in the Edgarstown area of the town.

Last year, it collapsed onto the adjoining road. No-one was injured.

In a statement, the PSNI said: "Police received a report a bonfire was set alight in the Union Street area of Portadown in the early hours of Thursday, June 23rd.

"It was reported at around 12.20 am that bonfire material in the area had been set alight. NIFRS attended and the fire was subsequently extinguished.

"The incident is currently being treated as arson and enquiries are ongoing. Police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact 101 quoting reference number 34 of 23/06/22

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."