Northern Ireland

Teens evacuated from Newcastle site after suspected arson

The blaze happened at a log cabin
The blaze happened at a log cabin The blaze happened at a log cabin

AROUND 100 teenagers were evacuated from a YMCA recreation centre in Co Down at the weekend following a suspected arson attack.

Police said a fire was reported at the Greenhill site in Newcastle at about 7pm on Saturday.

It happened at a log cabin which was used as a "shelter or relaxation-type area", the PSNI said.

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

"Thankfully there are no reports of injuries and no damage to the nearby main property."

Police appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

John Peacock, national secretary of YMCA Ireland, said the teens were having dinner in the dining hall when they were evacuated to an outdoor assembly point.

He told the BBC that while it had been reported that the fire was malicious, there was so far no evidence to indicate the cause.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard said: "The quick actions of the YMCA leaders who rescued these young people have undoubtedly prevented a tragedy."