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Portadown bank fire: Man (54) arrested on suspicion of arson and hammer attack on ATM

Fire at the Halifax branch in Portadown

A man has been arrested on suspicion of a number of offences relating to a fire at a bank in Portadown on Tuesday night.

Police investigating the report of arson at the Halifax premises on High Street arrested a 54-year-old man.

Inspector Browne said: “Shortly before 8:40pm, it was reported that a man had poured a liquid on the front of a building in the area and set it on fire. It was reported that the male caused damage to an ATM machine with a hammer, which was located in the area.

“Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and the fire was extinguished, with damage caused to the building following the incident. There were no reports of anyone inside the premises.

“A 54-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life with intent, possessing offensive weapon in public place and possessing article with intent to damage property. He remains in police custody at this time.

Portadown Halifax fire

“Enquiries are continuing and police would appeal to anyone with any information to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1686 06/02/24. Information can also be provided via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ .

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”

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