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Old Portadown police station targeted in arson attack

BBC A fire appliance being used to fight the fire in the affected building BBC
The fire caused extensive damage to the roof of the building

A fire at the old police station on Edward Street in Portadown was started deliberately, police have said.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) crews responded to a report of a blaze at 00:25 GMT on Saturday.

Three appliances from Portadown, Lurgan and Armagh and an aerial appliance were sent to the scene and firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished a blaze on an upper floor.

The building was badly damaged.

A fire appliance being used to fight the fire in the affected building. Fire officers are standing on the ground wearing yellow helmets.
The building was badly damaged by the overnight blaze

'Dangerous act'

Sgt Bigger from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the fire had been reignited on Saturday morning and police officers and fire service personnel went back to the scene.

"We believe that ignition was deliberate. The fire began on the top floor, and caused significant damage to the building.

"Those responsible are extremely lucky that they weren't seriously injured, or worse, when they chose to take part in such a dangerous act.

"There are a number of residential properties nearby, and we are grateful that the fire did not spread."

A fire appliance parked outside the affected building.
Fire crews responded to a report at around 00:25 GMT on Saturday