Fire destroys disability centre

The centre was badly damaged in the fire

A care centre for people with severe learning disabilities has been badly damaged in an overnight arson attack.

The fire at the centre on the County Tyrone town's Deverney Road was reported at approximately 2245 BST on Tuesday.

Fergal Leonard, district commander with the fire and rescue service, said there were "signs at the scene of forced entry into the building".

The centre is in the grounds of the Tyrone and Fermanagh Hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the PSNI.

Trevor Miller, who is director of mental health and learning disability with the Western Trust, arrived at the scene shortly after midnight.

Rosaleen Harkin from the Western Health and Social Care Trust

"The fire crew had indicated that there had been a break-in and that the majority of the building had been vandalised and the fire started in the workshop area," he said.

"There are 60 individuals who go to the centre, 20 of those would be within a unit for severe physical and learning disability.

"The actual workshop shop area has been devastated, there is smoke damage to the rest of the building and windows have been broken. Furniture and equipment has also been broken."