A suspected arson attack at a former care home in Markethill will delay the planned reopening of the facility as a residential service for adults with a learning disability, its landlords have confirmed.
In a statement released to Armagh I, Inspired2Care said they are the owners of the Main Street premises, formerly Hebron House, and that they are “deeply disappointed” by the incident, which police are treating as deliberate.
The building had been due to reopen as a registered residential care home for adults with a learning disability, to be operated by Good People – “an experienced health and social care provider – subject to all necessary regulatory approvals”.
In their statement, Inspired2Care – who describe themselves as “a local provider with an established presence in Northern Ireland” say they “are proud owners and operators of a number of regulated care homes across the region”.
“Our work is rooted in the communities we serve, with a clear focus on delivering safe, high-quality care in line with all regulatory standards.”
The statement added: “We are relieved that no one was injured in the recent incident at the property and we are cooperating fully with the relevant authorities while police enquiries remain ongoing.
“We are deeply disappointed that this suspected arson attack has caused damage to the premises and will inevitably delay the planned reopening of the home.
“This delay affects the development of a much-needed residential care service within the local community and also impacts the creation of employment opportunities for local people, which formed an important part of the project.”
They stressed that no service will open at the Markethill address until all regulatory processes have been completed.
“We want to be clear that no service will open until all statutory requirements, inspections and regulatory standards have been fully satisfied. Compliance, safety and quality assurance remain our absolute priority,” the statement continued.
“As local providers ourselves, we remain committed to transparency, engagement and responsible service development. We will continue to work constructively with regulators, the Trust and the wider community as the process moves forward.
“Further updates will be provided at the appropriate time.”
Emergency services were called to the property shortly after 3.30am on Friday, February 27. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish a blaze on the ground floor of the private property and left the scene at around 4.45am.
Police later confirmed that damage was caused to the bottom-floor front room and a window, but no one was inside the building at the time and no injuries were reported. The fire is being treated as deliberate and enquiries are ongoing.
An appeal for information was issued by police, who asked anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or who has CCTV, dash-cam or mobile footage from the area to contact them on 101, quoting reference 132 27/02/26, or to submit information online. Reports can also be made anonymously via Crimestoppers.
