Limavady fire: 12 year old boy arrested on suspicion of arson and then bailed

A 12 year old boy has been arrested on suspicion of arson, and then bailed, after a fire at a former nightclub in Limavady.

Gas canisters inside the building exploded when it happened on Catherine Street yesterday evening.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service say the blaze has now been brought under control after firefighters “worked tirelessly throughout the duration of the incident”

NIFRS has also thanked the public for their patience while they dealt with the blaze.

Appliances from Northland, Crescent Link, Strabane, Limavady, Dungiven and Coleraine Fire Stations attended the incident

Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 4 hose reels and 2 jets to extinguish the fire.

PSNI Detective Inspector Lavery said: “Shortly before 5:55pm, it was reported that a fire occurred at derelict premises in the area. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who were already in attendance brought the fire under control. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries and the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition at this time.”

“A 12 year old male was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and bailed pending further enquiries.”

“Catherine Street remains closed with diversions in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area.”

Niall Murray is the owner of the Thatch Bar which is just down the street. He said, “I was working yesterday evening at around half past five and heard the bang and looked out the window and saw the fire. “

“It’ll have a big impact on Catherine Street for the next few days.”

“There was a lot of panic…but the emergency services acted very fast and were very prompt on scene.”