DIY store damaged in arson attack

Police appealed for keyholders to check premises

Police have warned traders in Newtownabbey to be extra vigilant after a fire bomb attack on a B&Q store in the area.

The store on Mill Road sustained smoke and water damage after a fire broke out near wood in the DIY section.

The sprinkler system kept the fire under control until firefighters arrived at about 2340 BST on Saturday.

B&Q said it was fortunate no-one was injured. A number of staff were working in the store when the device exploded.

Assistant Divisional Commander Gary Allen of the Fire and Rescue Service said the sprinkler system prevented major damage.

"We went in and found the fire and put it out. When we were looking through the material that had been burning we found one of the devices placed within a quantity of wood," he said.

"Because of the sprinklers in the B&Q premises, the fire was very, very small and we were able to deal with it quickly and stop it spreading."

Inspector John Stewart said police were treating the attack very seriously.

He said: "I have been inside and seen the damage. One whole section did go up and was doused by the sprinkler system.

"It did put life at risk and also property. The clear-up operation from this fire could take weeks."

Police said retailers should check their premises throughout the trading day.

Last week, a B&Q outlet in Coleraine was also damaged in an arson attack.

The fire at the store in Riverside Retail Park was also suspected to have been started by an incendiary device.

In August, the Real IRA was blamed for a series of incendiary attacks on commercial premises in Newry.