Arson attack on disused pub

Arson attack on disused pub

25 May 2022

ARSONISTS are being blamed for destroying a former public house and nightclub in Ballynahinch.

The alarm was raised early last Friday afternoon in Dromore Street which was brought to a standstill after the malicious blaze swept through the former Aniseed Lounge which has been vacant for the past number of years.

It is believed the fire may have started at the rear of the building which sparked a major response from the emergency services.

It was the first of two fires in the town in the space of just over 24 hours.

On Saturday evening, the Fire and Rescue Service responded to a fire in a flat just a short distance from the Aniseed Lounge. 

One man was escorted from the building by the emergency services. Police have confirmed that they believe the fire was accidental.

During Friday afternoon’s fire Dromore Street was sealed off as firefighters from Ballynahinch were joined by colleagues from Downpatrick and Lisburn.

At the height of the blaze, with huge plumes of black smoke billowing out of the rear of the building and flames raging high above the rooftop, an aerial appliance from Springfield Fire Station in Belfast was despatched to Ballynahinch to assist firefighters. 

Members of the public gathered as close to the scene, with reports locally that a number of youths were spotted close to the former pub and nightclub before the blaze took hold.

Around nine hours after the alarm was raised, the fire had been dealt with and Dromore Street reopened.

The former pub and nightclub is flanked on either side by a Chinese restaurant and takeaway. Both are understood not to have sustained any damage.

South Down MLA Patrick Brown described last week’s blaze as a “shame” and praised firefighters for their swift response to prevent the fire from spreading.

Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess said initial rumours he had heard suggested that the fire may have been started as the result of an electrical fault.

He added: “I’m sorry to see anything like this happening in Ballynahinch. The town has a good mixed community and its community groups do great work. 

“If this fire was the result of arson, those responsible must be stopped because something like this could happen again.”

Detectives investigating Friday’s blaze, which they confirmed they are treating as arson, have issued an appeal for information.

They want to hear from anyone who may have been in the Dromore Street area last Friday morning or early afternoon and who can assist them with their enquiries.

Anyone who believes they can help is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number 101, quoting reference number 769 20/05/22.

Information can also be provided anonymously using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.