STAFF at a Co Armagh hospital have narrowly escaped injury during an arson attack.
An industrial bin at Craigavon Area Hospital was set on fire at around 6pm on Wednesday.
It is understood the bin was set alight close to doors at the pharmacology laboratory. Sterile equipment was thought to have been badly damaged in the attack.
A 23-year-old man, believed to be a former employee at the hospital, was arrested yesterday morning on suspicion of arson endangering life with intent.
PSNI Superintendent David Moore said: "Thankfully, no one was injured during the incident, which is being treated as arson at this time".
The attack came as the north's hospitals are struggling to cope with a sharp rise in patients at the height of the winter flu season.
Sinn Féin MLA John O'Dowd said the arson could have been fatal.
"I want to condemn this attack outright," he said.
"Our health services are under severe pressure. Any lasting damage caused to the pharmacy wing of the hospital could have resulted in multiple deaths.
"Fortunately, on this occasion, there were no fatalities and no lasting damage was caused. But it could have been so very different.
"I want to praise emergency services and staff at Craigavon Area Hospital for their quick response which helped bring the fire under control – ensuring no loss of life."
DUP MLA Carla Lockhart praised the Fire Service's swift response.
"I understand that the incident took place at the pharmacology lab and there was significant damage to equipment," she said.
"Thankfully any risk posed to staff and further damage to this unit was averted last night. Praise must be given to the Fire and Rescue Service who dealt with the matter efficiently and to the PSNI who have made a subsequent arrest.
"This sinister incident has come at a time when our health service is under incredible pressure. It defies logic that someone would seek to destroy our local hospital."
