YMCA evacuates 100 teens during suspected arson attack blaze, says PSNI

The YMCA had to evacuate 100 teenagers while firefighters and police tackled a blaze at its south Down Greenhill site which is believed to have been the result of an arson attack.
By Philip Bradfield
Published 23rd Feb 2020, 16:38 BST
Updated 23rd Feb 2020, 16:57 BST
The suspected arson attack took place at the YMCA Greenhill site in south DownThe suspected arson attack took place at the YMCA Greenhill site in south Down
The suspected arson attack took place at the YMCA Greenhill site in south Down

Police said they are appealing for information following the fire at the outdoor recreation and residential centre in the Donard Park area of Newcastle on Saturday evening.

PSNI Sergeant McIlveen said: “The fire, reported just before 7pm, was at a log cabin, used as a shelter or relaxation-type area.

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“Officers attended, along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.

“Unfortunately the cabin has been completely destroyed by the fire, which is believed to have been started deliberately.

“Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries and no damage to the nearby main property.”

YMCA National Secretary John Peacock told the News Letter that the fire on the Greenhill YMCA site occurred at 5:30pm on Saturday “in an old wooden cabin removed from the residential accommodation”.

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He added: “One hundred teenagers staying on site were evacuated, according to our procedures, as a precaution and allowed back in once the fire was extinguished.”

The Fire Service and PSNI attended the fire and nobody was injured, he said.

“At present, we are unsure about the cause of the blaze.”

The PSNI issued an appeal to anyone with information about the attack.

“We are appealing to anyone with information to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 1541 of 22/02/20,” Sgt McIlveen added.

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Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, he said.

Mournes DUP councillor Glyn Hanna said the arson attack had caused much speculation.

“I would totally condemn this attack, it is totally damaging to the whole community,” he said.

“I was speaking to one local woman who saw the smoke and just could not believe what had happened.

“I would urge anyone with any information to bring it to the PSNI. I really do hope the police get to the bottom of it.”