Suspected arson damages SF office

Up to 18 firefighters attended the blaze

The County Fermanagh offices of Sinn Fein MP Michelle Gildernew have been severely damaged in a suspicious fire.

The top three floors of the four-storey building in Lisnaskea were gutted in the blaze, reported at about 0245 BST.

Eighteen firefighters and three appliances were involved in bringing the blaze under control. Houses on both sides of the building were evacuated.

Ms Gildernew said the fire had destroyed important work being carried out on behalf of constituents.

"It was a fairly serious fire, a lot of damage was done," she said.

Michelle Gildernew said the blaze caused extensive damage

The building also houses the offices of Sinn Fein Fermanagh councillors and victims' group, Firinne, is also based there.

Bernice Swift, who is a project manager for the group, said it would have an impact on their work.

"My work continues. I am looking at this with disappointment but things could be much worse," she said.

An investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire.

The police have said they are treating the fire as suspicious and have appealed for witnesses.