Lurgan: Windsor Avenue residents return home after arson attack

Lurgan: Windsor Avenue residents return home after arson attack

Following an arson attack on a listed building in Lurgan, County Armagh, residents have finally been able to return to their homes. The incident took place at a derelict property on Windsor Avenue in the early hours of Saturday morning. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to the blaze, causing significant damage to the structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

Councillor Peter Haire, representing the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), expressed relief that there were no casualties in the arson attack. He highlighted the close proximity of businesses and residences to the building, stressing the potential for a more tragic outcome. With the affected property being a listed building, Haire lamented the destruction of what was once a beautiful structure. He made a plea to those responsible for the attack to cease their actions.

Adjacent to the fire-damaged building is the New Haven cafe, where two employees, Joanne and Barbara, shared their gratitude for still having their jobs. Joanne mentioned the proximity of the cafe to where the fire occurred and expressed relief that it did not spread to their workplace. Barbara echoed Joanne’s sentiments, describing the shock of waking up to the aftermath of the arson attack. Both employees emphasized the danger posed by such incidents and called for an end to the destructive behavior.

The police have classified the incident as arson, indicating a deliberate act of setting fire to the property. Despite the destruction caused, residents can now resume their normal lives following the containment of the blaze. The community remains on edge, hoping that those responsible heed the calls to cease their destructive actions and prevent any further harm or damage

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