Northern Ireland

Man (54) charged with arson after Portadown building set on fire and ATM attacked with hammer

A fire has broken out at a bank premises in Portadown. The Halifax branch is on the corner of High Street and Woodhouse Street. Police have arrested a man in relation to the incident. Picture by Press Eye.
A fire has broken out at a bank premises in Portadown. The Halifax branch is on the corner of High Street and Woodhouse Street. Police have arrested a man in relation to the incident. Picture by Press Eye. (Press Eye)

A man has been charged with a number of offences after a building was set on fire in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Reports were received of a man pouring a liquid onto the front of a building on the High Street, shortly before 8:40pm and setting it on fire. A nearby ATM was also allegedly attacked with a hammer.

It is not believed anyone was inside the premises.

The 54-year-old has been charged with intent, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and possessing article with intent to damage property.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and put the fire out.

He is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday March 6.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.