Arson attack on new kidney unit

Police and the hospital said the fire was started deliberately

Damage caused by an arson attack to a new kidney unit at Londonderry's Altnagelvin hospital is expected to cost up to £250,000 to repair.

The interior of the building, which is still being fitted out, was burnt out in the fire reported at about 2135 BST.

It was due to open later this year, but this will now have to be postponed by several months.

At present, patients from Derry must travel to Omagh for dialysis. The new unit was planned to save this journey.

Police and the hospital said the fire was started deliberately, possibly by young people who gather in the grounds in the evenings.

Altnagelvin's chief executive, Elaine Way, said it was a big setback as the service, which was due to begin in the autumn, would now be delayed.

"This was a much needed service for the people in Derry," she said.

Altnagelvin's chief executive Elaine Way said it was a big setback

"It's really very hard to accept and there's a lot of disappointment and anger around this site this morning."

Unison spokesman David Murray said his union deplored the attack.

"Actions like this are not just an attack on the hospital, they are an attack on the whole community," he said.

SDLP leader Mark Durkan said those responsible for the attack should be "ashamed of their actions".

"This mindless act of vandalism has substantially delayed the opening of a much needed life-saving unit in Derry," the Foyle Assembly member said.

Police want anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

They say those responsible may have been filmed by security cameras.