By Nadia Breen
Copyright belfastlive
Police say a fire in Co Antrim on Wednesday night is being treated as ‘deliberate’. The PSNI is appealing after a report of arson to vehicles parked within an industrial site in Ballyclare on September 17, at around 10.40pm. A statement said: ” Firefighters worked to douse the well-alight fires to two lorries which spread causing heat damage to two other lorries parked nearby.” It added: “Officers attended and will remain in attendance at the Avondale site today, Thursday 18th September, as all lines of enquiry are explored and evidence gathered.” Detective Inspector Adrian Keon said: “This fire, which is being treated as deliberate, has resulted in a significant financial impact, both from the loss of the vehicles and any contents. “The recklessness of those responsible is hard to believe. Our enquiries are ongoing and we are keen to gain the insight from members of the public who noticed anything suspicious, particularly between 10pm and the time of report at 10.40pm. Anyone driving in the area at the time and who may have dash-cam footage covering this area, please give us a call on 101 quoting reference number 1556 17/09/25.” A report can be made online at www.psni.police.uk/report and information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org . The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service say 2 Appliances from Ballyclare Fire Station and 2 Appliances from Glengormley Fire Station attended the incident. A statement added: “Firefighters were called to reports of 4 lorries on fire at a commercial premises on Avondale Drive, Ballyclare. Firefighters used cutting equipment to gain entry to the premises and used a thermal image camera, 1 jet and 3 hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate. “Firefighters left the scene at 12.17am (Thursday 18 September 2025) but were called back at 4.03am as the fire had reignited. Firefighters used 1 hose reel jet to extinguish the fire. The reigniting of the fire is believed to be accidental and the incident was dealt with by 4.26am.” For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
