Detectives are appealing for information following a report of a fire at a property in Lurgan in the early hours of this morning, Saturday 19th July.
Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “Shortly after 1am, we received a report that a house was on fire in the Windsor Avenue area of the town.
“Officers along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, however significant damage was caused to the property.
“A number of residents, who were evacuated while emergency services tackled the blaze, have been allowed to return to their homes.
“This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 74 19/07/25.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has called for anyone with information to come forward.
Speaking on the issue, she said: “This is a deeply distressing incident for our community, particularly given the scale and seriousness of the fire in the early hours of Saturday, 19th July, on Windsor Avenue. It is deeply concerning that the PSNI is now treating this as arson. I would urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious to contact the police without delay.
“I want to pay tribute to our incredible emergency services the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, PSNI, and paramedics for their swift and courageous response. Their actions undoubtedly prevented further devastation and ensured public safety. They put their lives on the line to protect others and for that, we owe them our sincerest thanks.
“This fire has resulted in a significant loss to the local built environment. It is a stark reminder of how quickly treasured parts of our town can be damaged or destroyed. My thoughts are with those affected, and I will continue to monitor developments closely, ensuring updates are shared as further information becomes available.”
Sinn Féin councillor Keith Haughian has strongly condemned the attack.
He said: “This area has a number of homes and well established businesses that provide employment and contribute greatly to the local community. Thankfully none of them have been impacted too severely.
“While the property itself was unoccupied, the potential consequences of this could have been far more severe. It is only thanks to the swift response of the Fire and Rescue Service that the fire was contained and no injuries were reported.
“This incident also highlights a deeper issue that can no longer be ignored — empty, dilapidated buildings that serve no purpose.
“Instead of allowing properties to fall into disrepair and attract anti-social behaviour, we should be transforming them into assets that bring pride and opportunity back to our town.
“If anyone has any information about this incident, I urge them to contact the PSNI. Those responsible must be held accountable.”
