Report Paul Murphy
Gardai in Drogheda have issued a fresh appeal into the circumstances surrounding a fire at a house occupied by international protection applicants which took place on Friday night. The force was alerted by the fire service to the fire at Georges Street at about 8.15pm. Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge o fireworks, investigations by the gardai to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown.
A full investigation into the alleged arson is underway. A Garda spokesperson described the arson has “an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time. The occupants of the house were safely evacuated and a number of people were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment.
A senior Garda officer has been put in charge of the investigation which is being conducted from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station. An appeal has been issued to members of the public to come forward with any information they have. Anyone in the vicinity of Georges Street between 7.30pm and 8.20pm on Friday, or anyone who has information on the incident are asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station 041 9874200 or any Garda Station.
