Northern Ireland: Rathenraw industrial estate fire ‘deliberate’

A blaze at an Antrim industrial estate was started deliberately, the fire service believes.

Firefighters were called to Rathenraw industrial estate at 20:35 BST on Tuesday and had to work “in challenging conditions”.

It is believed a lorry caught fire, spreading to a truck containing plastic and 30 other trailers, 18 of which were destroyed.

“Significant damage” was caused, police said.

Thirty-eight firefighters and six appliances were at the scene at the height of the blaze.

Water jets and foam were used to help bring it under control.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said the fire was believed to have been caused by “deliberate ignition” and the incident was dealt with by 01:33 BST on Wednesday.

Police said they were investigating.

Stiles Way, which runs beside the industrial estate, was closed in both directions.

Police asked residents living nearby to stay indoors and keep their windows closed due to large amounts of smoke in the area.

Police said a significant amount of damage was caused by the fire.

Det Sgt Lyttle said that inquiries were ongoing and appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

News source: BBC News