Police have launched an arson investigation following a major fire at commercial premises in the Milford area over the weekend.
The blaze, which broke out in the Ballyards Road area, was reported shortly after 4am on Saturday, February 21.
Inspector Walker said officers attended the scene alongside firefighters from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS), who were in the process of tackling a large fire at a shed.
“There was no further requirement for police at that time,” Inspector Walker explained. “However, officers attended the scene again later in the day to conduct enquiries, after it was confirmed that the fire was the result of deliberate ignition.”
Firefighters were called back to the scene at around 2am on Sunday, February 22, amid concerns over the risk of re-ignition. A subsequent fire was also extinguished.
“Thankfully, no injuries were reported,” Inspector Walker added. “However, the fire is being treated as arson and our enquiries into this are ongoing, with police remaining at the scene this morning, Monday, 23rd February.”
Police are now appealing for information and witnesses.
“We would appeal to anyone who has any information, or who saw anything suspicious in the area on Saturday morning, to contact police on the 101 number, quoting reference 230 of 21/02/26,” Inspector Walker said.
Information can also be provided online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org/
