Ballynahinch Fire Raises Concern Among Residents

Former Pub Gutted In Major Fire in Ballynahinch

Former Pub Gutted In Major Fire in Ballynahinch

Detectives are appealing for information following an arson attack on a vacant property at Dromore Street in Ballynahinch on Friday 20th May near the centre of the town.

Police received a report of a fire at the property shortly after midday on Friday and attended the scene with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service with four fire tenders.

The former Linseed Lounge in Ballynahinch was destroyed in a fire.

Dromore Street was closed and traffic diverted throughout the day as firefighters dealt with the blaze. Dromore Street re-opened at around 9pm on Friday evening. The property has been left totally destroyed as a result of the fire.

Detectives are investigating and would ask anyone with any information about this incident or who may be able to help with their investigation to call them on the non-emergency number 101 quoting reference number 769 20/05/22.

A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via:

http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ 

or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at:

http://crimestoppers-uk.org/

The Ballynahinch Fire Station located opposite the former Linseed Lounge building. The fire spread so quickly that the NIFRS could only contain it and not let it enter the adjacent buildings.

Speaking to Down News, a resident indicated that a group of youths appeared to have accessed the property of the formr Linseed Lounge and had used it as a drinking den.

He added that despite the building being opposite the Ballynahinch fired station, it was totally destroyed in the fire, given the very quick rate the fire spread.