Menu
28/05/2019
SDLP Slam Church Arson
An SDLP MLA has hit out at those behind a deliberate fire at a church in L'Derry.
The Holy Family parish in the Ballymagroarty area of the city was targeted by arsonists on Friday evening, 24 May. An outbuilding was set alight and completely destroyed, before the blaze spread to the nearby church and parochial house, causing damage to both.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was both disappointed and disgusted after it was confirmed by the NIFRS that the blaze was started deliberately.
"Those responsible have no regard for the damage and danger that they have caused. Indeed, their actions are a stark contrast to those of the dozens of parishioners who attended the scene to see how they could help and to check that everything was ok.
"They are the real face of Ballymagroarty and of Derry- a community that comes together when times are tough. Now we need to come together and appeal to those responsible for this senseless attack to desist from this activity that puts lives at risk."
Mr Durkan also expressed relief that the blaze did not cause more damage: "I was first alerted about the fire by a phone call from a constituent who informed me that the Church was on fire. I was relieved that, when I attended the scene, the actual fire had been contained to out-buildings at the rear of the Parochial House and had not spread to the Chapel itself. This was down to the swift actions of our heroic fire-fighters.
"I would also encourage anyone with any information about this incident to pass it on to the police or anyone in authority that they are comfortable speaking to.''
Police are keen to identify two males who they believe may have been involved in starting the fire. Anyone who was in the Aileach Road area at around 10.30pm or has any information regarding the crime is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference 2311 of 24/05/19.
(JG/MH)
The Holy Family parish in the Ballymagroarty area of the city was targeted by arsonists on Friday evening, 24 May. An outbuilding was set alight and completely destroyed, before the blaze spread to the nearby church and parochial house, causing damage to both.
Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said he was both disappointed and disgusted after it was confirmed by the NIFRS that the blaze was started deliberately.
"Those responsible have no regard for the damage and danger that they have caused. Indeed, their actions are a stark contrast to those of the dozens of parishioners who attended the scene to see how they could help and to check that everything was ok.
"They are the real face of Ballymagroarty and of Derry- a community that comes together when times are tough. Now we need to come together and appeal to those responsible for this senseless attack to desist from this activity that puts lives at risk."
Mr Durkan also expressed relief that the blaze did not cause more damage: "I was first alerted about the fire by a phone call from a constituent who informed me that the Church was on fire. I was relieved that, when I attended the scene, the actual fire had been contained to out-buildings at the rear of the Parochial House and had not spread to the Chapel itself. This was down to the swift actions of our heroic fire-fighters.
"I would also encourage anyone with any information about this incident to pass it on to the police or anyone in authority that they are comfortable speaking to.''
Police are keen to identify two males who they believe may have been involved in starting the fire. Anyone who was in the Aileach Road area at around 10.30pm or has any information regarding the crime is urged to call detectives on 101 quoting reference 2311 of 24/05/19.
(JG/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
04 April 2007
Fire causes ‘extensive damage’ to church
Police in north Belfast are investigating a suspicious fire in Fortwilliam Presbyterian Church on the Antrim Road, that caused extensive damage to the property in the early hours of this morning. The fire, which started some time after 12.30am damaged the front door and the basement of the church.
Fire causes ‘extensive damage’ to church
Police in north Belfast are investigating a suspicious fire in Fortwilliam Presbyterian Church on the Antrim Road, that caused extensive damage to the property in the early hours of this morning. The fire, which started some time after 12.30am damaged the front door and the basement of the church.
17 September 2014
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
Community Fire Station Opens In Omagh
Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots has opened a new £4.4m Community Fire Station in Omagh, County Tyrone. The new Community Fire Station & District Headquarters on the Killybrack Road includes onsite facilities for firefighter training and transport and engineering workshops.
02 April 2012
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
NI's Chief Fire Officer Announces His Retirement
The Chief Fire Officer for Northern Ireland, Peter Craig, has announced that he is to retire after over 35 years of distinguished Service. Peter Craig is one of the longest serving officers in Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service and was appointed as Chief Fire Officer in February 2011, having been the acting Chief from July 2010.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
