03/07/2006
Leisure centre damaged by arsonists
Police are treating a fire, which broke out at a west Belfast leisure centre over the weekend, as arson.
The blaze is understood to have started on the roof of the Whiterock Leisure Centre, just before 7.30pm yesterday evening.
Around ten fire crews were called to tackle the fire, and it is understood to have taken around 45 minutes to bring under control.
Fire fighters managed to contain the blaze to the roof area, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
Sinn Fein's Michael Ferguson said the fire followed a number of anti-social behaviour incidents over the past 24 hours and added that there appears to be a wrecking crew in the area who are hell bent on causing destruction.
He continued by saying that the centre has been undergoing renovation in an attempt to provide better facilities for young people in the community.
He said: "Those who have set out to destroy it have no social conscience at all.
"There is no place in this community because they have broken faith with the community and they should leave. The community does not want them here."
It is understood that the damaged caused to the roof during the fire could cost around £10,000.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information on those responsible for causing the blaze, to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/SP)
The blaze is understood to have started on the roof of the Whiterock Leisure Centre, just before 7.30pm yesterday evening.
Around ten fire crews were called to tackle the fire, and it is understood to have taken around 45 minutes to bring under control.
Fire fighters managed to contain the blaze to the roof area, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the building.
Sinn Fein's Michael Ferguson said the fire followed a number of anti-social behaviour incidents over the past 24 hours and added that there appears to be a wrecking crew in the area who are hell bent on causing destruction.
He continued by saying that the centre has been undergoing renovation in an attempt to provide better facilities for young people in the community.
He said: "Those who have set out to destroy it have no social conscience at all.
"There is no place in this community because they have broken faith with the community and they should leave. The community does not want them here."
It is understood that the damaged caused to the roof during the fire could cost around £10,000.
Police have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who may have any information on those responsible for causing the blaze, to contact them on 0845 600 8000 or on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.
(EF/SP)
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