Northern Ireland

Derelict Strabane mill 'needs to be secured' after arson attack

Police believe a fire at the old Smyth's Mill buildings in Strabane was started deliberately. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Police believe a fire at the old Smyth's Mill buildings in Strabane was started deliberately. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin Police believe a fire at the old Smyth's Mill buildings in Strabane was started deliberately. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

THERE have been calls for a derelict mill in Strabane to be brought back into use following an arson attack at the weekend.

Smyth’s Mill on Derry Road in the Co Tyrone town was extensively damaged in a fire on Sunday night.

PSNI sergeant James McLaughlin said police were called to the site around 10pm.

"The fire service has advised that this fire was started deliberately," he said.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service commander Fergal Leonard condemned those behind the attack.

"They are putting themselves in danger, their communities in danger and their local fire-fighters, members of their own community, at great risk," he said.

The attack was also condemned by SDLP assembly member Daniel McCrossan. Mr McCrossan said the fire was a waste of emergency services' time.

“The fire at Smyth’s Mill has done nothing but endanger lives and waste valuable public resources. Our local emergency services are doing a terrific job under intolerable pressures. The last thing they need is to be responding to deliberate arson attacks which are preventable,” he said.

Mr McCrossan said the historic former mill has been used by young people who have broken into the premises in recent years.

“The building needs to be secured and we must look at ways to utilise the building in future. The building is centrally located within the town. It is in private possession but we must look at how it can be used,” he said.

He said it was fortunate the fire had not spread to nearby businesses.