Killyleagh arson probe

Killyleagh arson probe

1 July 2020

INVESTIGATIONS are continuing into a malicious blaze which destroyed a derelict building in Killyleagh during the early hours of Monday.

Fire swept through the former Walkingshaw’s Cafe at Seaview, with the ferocity of the blaze so intense that firefighters from Downpatrick were joined by colleagues from Comber and Newtownards.

The alarm was raised at 1.50am and it took firefighters around two hours to extinguish the blaze.

Police have confirmed that they are keen to speak with four teenagers — believed to be aged between 15 and 18 — who were seen in the area at the time.

Nearby residents have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed until Newry, Mourne and Down Council environmental health officials have completed an inspection of the charred remains of the former cafe which had an asbestos roof.

There are concerns that onshore breezes are blowing asbestos fibres towards nearby homes which could be dangerous to people’s health. Frefighters battling the blaze worse masks after noticing the building’s roof was made from asbestos.

Monday morning’s blaze completely destroyed the building, with images of the fire posted on social media providing an insight into the intensity of the blaze which gutted the single storey property, with growing fears that it may have to be bulldozed.

Police were called by firefighters who suspected that the fire was started deliberately and as investigations continue into exactly how the blaze started, officers have issued an appeal for help.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Seaview or neighbouring Shore Street area during the early hours of Monday.

Police have confirmed that the teenagers they are keen to speak to were seen walking in the Seaview area around the time the fire was reported.

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews have expressed concern that the fire at the well known landmark was started deliberately.

Cllr Walker said many people in Killyleagh had a close affinity with the former cafe and will be sad that it was targeted.

He also confirmed that he contacted local authority environmental health officials to inspect the burnt out shell of the property for asbestos and to take appropriate action to prevent fibres from being blown towards adjoining homes.

“While the building that was targeted has been lying empty for many years, it was still a landmark and one that many people in Killyleagh and beyond had close connections with,” explained Cllr Walker. 

“Walkingshaw’s cafe was once the main hub in the town. It holds fond memories for many people, including myself, and was very much part of the town’s history.”

Cllr Walker said he hoped that whoever started the fire will be apprehended, making it clear that such behaviour was “totally unacceptable and has no place in society”.

He continued: “We simply cannot have people running around starting malicious fires and we also have to commend the work of the emergency services for dealing with what, at its height, was a significant fire close to a number of homes.

“The emergency services who responded to Monday’s incident deserve nothing but the highest praise for their quick response and professionalism. It beggars belief that such a landmark building, even though it has been derelict for many years, was targeted in this way.”

Cllr Andrews said “part of Killyleagh’s history” was lost in the blaze and it was heartbreaking to see the burnt-out shell of the building.

“Walkingshaw’s cafe was a hub for many people over the years and it is sad that there were people who targeted this building,” he said. “There are concerns that the fire was started deliberately and this is very concerning.”

Cllr Andrews added: “At times like this it is important that we commend the emergency services who dealt with what was a major fire, close to existing housing. We are grateful to the professionalism of the firefighters who tackled the blaze.”

Both councillors have also appealed to anyone who can help police should contact officers, quoting reference number 99 of 29/06/20.

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