Killyleagh pub damaged in arson attack

Killyleagh pub damaged in arson attack

4 January 2012

ARSONISTS have struck in Killyleagh for the second time in just over a month.

The Castle Arms pub in High Street was targeted during the early hours of December 22, just 24-hours before it was due to be reopen having been closed for the previous two weeks.

The attack on the pub, which was badly damaged, came four weeks after Second Killyleagh Presbyterian Church’s manse at Seaside Road in the town was gutted in an arson attack.

The alarm in High Street was raised at 2.45am with firefighters from Downpatrick putting the blaze out almost one hour later.

Extensive damage was caused to the bar’s front lounge where it is believed the fire started. Other parts of the bar sustained smoke and water damage.

A scenes of crime expert spent time combing through the charred remains of the lounge hours after firemen left in a bid to establish how the blaze started. Local people have suggested a petrol bomb was thrown through the window of the lounge, but this has not been confirmed.

As police enquiries continue to establish a motive for the attack on the Castle Arms, two local councillors say it marks a “worrying trend” in the town.

Councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews say it is fortunate no one was in the building when it was targeted.

Councillor Walker continued: “People are shocked that Killyleagh is once again in the headlines for a second arson attack within a month. We also shouldn’t forget that it’s just over a year since the public toilet block at the top of High Street in the town was destroyed in a malicious blaze.

“The pub was due to reopen just 24 hours after the arson attack. It was a well established business which provided local employment but now lies ruined with the repair bill set to run into many thousands of pounds,” he added.

Councillor Andrews said a lot of people have worked hard to regenerate Killyleagh both socially and economically to attract new investment and visitors.

“Arson attacks are the last thing we need,” he declared. “What happened should not be allowed to create negativity about Killyleagh and we have to be thankful no one was in the building when it was targeted otherwise we would have a tragedy on our hands.”

Councillor Andrews said the attack on a business during the current economic situation had to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

Detectives investigating the attack on the Killyleagh pub have issued an appeal for information. They want to hear from anyone who may have observed any suspicious activity in the vicinity of High Street during the early hours of December 22.

Anyone who believes they can help is asked to contact police in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000, or use the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.