News

Former children's home Lissue House damaged in fire

Flames quickly took hold over two floors at the former children's psychiatric unit
Flames quickly took hold over two floors at the former children's psychiatric unit Flames quickly took hold over two floors at the former children's psychiatric unit

THE former Co Antrim hospital at the centre of child abuse allegations has been extensively damaged in a fire.

The blaze broke out at Lissue House, Ballinderry Road, Lisburn, early on Thursday morning and was described as "well developed" over two floors.

Eight fire appliances, as well as a command support unit vehicle from Lisburn Fire Station, a high volume pumping appliance from Whitla Fire Station and a water tanker from Warrenpoint Fire Station were called to the scene after the fire was reported around 7am.

A separate appliance from Springfield Fire Station as well as the fire emergency support service vehicle also provided assistance.

Police, who were also in attendance, issue a warning to motorists and said no-one was in the building when the fire broke out.

Ian Stevenson, chief executive of the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland, which has offices at Lissue House, said he was grateful no-one was hurt.

"We are saddened by the damage caused to our office premises at Lissue House and are grateful that no one was injured," he said.

"We have a business continuity plan in place and will continue with our work as far as possible.

"We thank the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service for their quick response and professionalism in dealing with the fire."

In April this year Lissue House was the focus of the ongoing Historical Abuse Inquiry when former patients gave harrowing evidence of abuse.

Claims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse at two children's psychiatric hospitals - including Lissue - were first revealed in The Irish News in 2011.

Three independent reports into the allegations, compiled since 2009, were never made public until The Irish News investigation.

The Historical Institutional Abuse Inquiry, set up in January 2013, is investigating child abuse at 22 residential institutions in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 1995.