PSNI Launch Appeal for Information Following Arson Attack in Newtownards

Detectives are currently requesting the public’s assistance in gathering information in relation to an incendiary occurrence which took place at a business in the Landsdowne Industrial Estate locality of Newtownards during the early hours of Tuesday the 18th of April.

Detective Sergeant Shivers declared, “We received a report around 3:20 am that a multitude of motor vehicles had been ignited at a motor dealership. Officers, in collaboration with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, were present and extinguished the fire. The blaze has caused severe damage to approximately 25 automobiles and a trailer.”

“This was a reckless act of arson,” added the detective. “It was fortunate that no individuals were injured. Our investigation is considering all possible motives; however, one of our primary lines of inquiry is that the act was connected to the ongoing dispute between competing narcotics syndicates throughout Ards and North Down.”

The detective further urged individuals who witnessed anything suspicious or have any footage that may assist the investigation to come forward and contact the authorities. He asked them to dial 101, referring to the incident number 108 of 18/04/23.

Furthermore, individuals with knowledge regarding the arson incident, or those who can provide any help in the investigation, are urged to contact detectives in Larne using the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, they may also submit a report online by accessing the non-emergency reporting form on the website http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. People can also reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111 or online via http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.