By Lisa Ramsden
Two people managed to escape from a burning building in Downpatrick in the early hours of Saturday.
Police say the attack, on a house along Saul Street, is being treated as “arson with intent to endanger life”. Significant damage was caused to the home.
Detectives leading the investigation say the fire “was obviously a shock” for those living there, and have appealed for witnesses to the incident, or anyone with information which may be useful, to call them immediately on 101.
A detective sergeant told the Mourne Observer: “We are appealing for witnesses and information following an arson attack in Downpatrick in the early hours of Saturday.
“We received a report at around 1.50am of a fire at a property in the Saul Street area. Officers attended the scene, where the front door of the house was on fire and a number of ground-floor windows smashed.”
The senior officer added that the Fire and Rescue Service managed to extinguish the blaze “before it spread to any neighbouring properties”.
They also confirmed that members of the NI Ambulance Service also rushed to the scene, “however, the two people who were in the property at the time of the attack were able to exit the house safely and no injuries were reported.”
The officer continued: “This was obviously a shock for them, however, and there was significant damage caused to their home. This is being treated as deliberate ignition and as arson with intent to endanger life.”
Confirming that enquiries are ongoing, they concluded: “We would appeal to anyone with any information, including Ring doorbell, CCTV or other footage, to get in touch with us on the 101 number, quoting reference 80 of 28/03/26.
“Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
