A MAN was being questioned by PSNI detectives last night following a suspected arson attack on the outskirts of Banbridge, Co Down, in which a 28-year-old man died.
Three fire crews from Banbridge and nearby Dromore and Lurgan were called out to attend what was described as substantial and intense blaze at the house at Larchwood Mews in Banbridge at about 6am yesterday.
Battling "fierce heat", fire crews managed to take the man from the house. He was treated at the scene by paramedics but was later pronounced dead.
Later yesterday morning a 27-year-old man was arrested and was last night being questioned about what police suspect was an arson attack.
Forensic experts were at the scene yesterday trying to establish where and how the fire started.
Brian Greer of the Northern Ireland fire service said that a neighbour had alerted the fire service, which responded promptly. He said the fire, which was substantial, caused considerable damage to the house in Larchwood Mews, which is in a relatively new mixed residential estate.
He said the fire officers had to cope with fierce heat. "The fire could be seen by the crews responding, it could be seen at a distance," he added.
Local SDLP councillor Patrick McAleenan said people in Banbridge were horrified by the incident. "This is a very shocking tragedy to happen at any time, but particularly at this time of the year," he said.
"It is also tragic in that there is another dimension to this fire in that someone has been arrested, and it looks as if this young man may have lost his life as a result of a crime," added Mr McAleenan.
Sinn Féin councillor Dessie Ward said Larchwood Mews was a very quiet, integrated residential area and that Banbridge was a low-crime town. "For people to wake up to that news is very shocking at any time of the year but particularly now," he said.
