Killyeagh Bar Damaged In Arson Attack

ARSONISTS have struck again in Killyleagh.

This time a public house in the main street has been badly damaged.  The PSNI reported that the fire was first alerted to the emergency services at shortly before 2.50am (22 December) and the NI Fire and Rescue Service dispatched fire tenders to the scene.

It appears that a front window of the Castle Arms bar was broken a petrol poured in and ignited with the fire spreading through the lounge area causing serious damage to the inside of the premises with smoke damage to the main bar area.

The Castle Arms in Kilyleagh is the third arson attack in a year in the town. 

Rowallene Councillor Billy Walker has forthrightly condemned the attack on the premises and sald, “I totally condemn this disgraceful behaviour.  These sort of attacks in the heart of KIllyleagh could eventually lead to someone getting injured or killed. It does not bare thinking about.

“A year ago our public toilets were burned down costing around £100,000 and recently the old manse was torched. This building was worth £350,000 and had to be demolished. Altogether these arson attacks have cost Killyleagh around a half million pounds and this is appalling.

“These people must be apprehended. I appeal to anyone who knows anything about this to contact the police immediately before someone loses a life. It must stop now.

“People living in small rural towns cannot live in fear. Our local Neighbourhood Police Team do a great job and cannot be there 24/7, but we need an extra effort by the PSNI to watch over our communities.  These people need to be caught and a custodial sentence handed out by the courts.

“I have long argued for the mobile police unit to come to Killyleagh. This helps give reassurance in the community. It is the taxpayer and ratepayer who has to foot the bill for this fire attack,” added Cllr Walker.

Police in Downpatrick are appealing for  information about  the Castle Arms fire in High Street, Killyleagh. It is not thought that anyone was in the building at the time of the incident.

If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact police in Downpatrick on 0845 600 8000.

Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The owner of the premises was not available for comment as he was in London when the incident took place.