“My thoughts are with the business owners and employees affected by this incident”
10:17, 13 Jun 2026Updated 10:23, 13 Jun 2026
NIFRS stock(Image: Press Eye )
An arson attack which saw two vans “completely destroyed” has been described as a “disgraceful” and “reckless”.
Police and the NIFRS were called to the incident in the North Street area of Newry on Friday night, where two vehicles belonging to local bakery, The Shelbourne, were believed to be set alight.
The incident is not believed to be linked to recent disorder across Northern Ireland.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of two vans on fire in the North Street area of Newry at approximately 11.25pm last night , Friday 12th June.
“Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the blaze. “The vehicles were completely destroyed as a result of this fire – and were treating this report as arson. Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries.
“Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed the fire or would have CCTV or dashcam footage to contact police on 101 quoting reference 2105 12/06/26.”
Newry City Sinn Féin Councillor Valerie Harte said the arson has caused significant damage and disruption to a local business.
She said: “I strongly condemn the disgraceful incident in which two vans belonging to a local business were deliberately burnt out in the car park at North Street, Newry.
“This reckless act has caused significant damage and disruption to a local business and has no place in our community.
“Local businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and they deserve to be able to operate without fear of intimidation, vandalism or criminal damage.
“My thoughts are with the business owners and employees affected by this incident. Anyone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area which might help identify the perpetrators should make it known to the authorities.”
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