Investigation Launched Following Arson Attack On Community Centre

Police have launched an investigation following an arson attack at Castlebay Community Centre in Co Tyrone.

The attack happened in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 16 November.

The bottom stairs lounge has been gutted and heavy damage caused to the bar upstairs.

Money and goods were also stolen from the premises.

SDLP Torrent Councillor Malachy Quinn condemned the attack.

He said: "This is not just an attack on a building but an attack on the entire community here in Brocagh. I have spoken to the family who recently took over the bar and they are devastated by the damage done here having just recently spent money doing the place up.

"This centre hosts many events during the week for the local community which will now have to be put on hold because of this damage. This week alone there was to be a crafts fair with money going to cancer research which will now have to be cancelled, along with local community groups having to re-locate or cancel their meetings and birthday parties that have been booked into the centre have to be cancelled.

"This community centre along with the GAA club the centre of community life here in Brocagh and those who have attacked it are disgusting and have nothing to offer. I urge anyone with any information to contact the PSNI immediately."

(CD)