A man has been arrested following another fire at the NI Housing Executive-owned block of flats on the Saul Street in Downpatrick just before 1am in the early hours of Monday morning.
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A burned out mattress lies at the front of McLaughlin House on Saul Street in Downpatrick.[/caption]
In a court appearance on Monday 5 January, fifty year old Michael McKinney, who lived in a ground floor flat, did not answer to the charges made against him for allegedly endangering human life and causing arson. His flat was badly damaged by fire.
McKinney was released on bail and the judge ordered him not to approach McLaughlin House closer than fifty yards, He also has to wear an electronic tag on his leg and must be indoors curfewed at his new Downpatrick address by 9pm each evening.
Police in Downpatrick are appealing for information about the recent fire and anyone with information is asked to phone the non-emergency police number at 101 or call the independent confidential charity helpline, Crimestoppers, at 0800 555 111.
Down News understands that there have been six fires since last August and that Michael McKinney’s flat, now badly fire damaged, has already received a full NIHE refurbishment including a new kitchen.
The judge also ordered him to seek medical assistance within two weeks.
A neighbour explained that since she moved in last August, a number of fires had caused significant damage to the flats with much smoke damage.
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