Former Portadown Police Station Hit by Arson

Authorities have confirmed that a fire at the former police station located on Edward Street in Portadown was intentionally set. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) dispatched crews after receiving notification of the fire at 00:25 GMT on Saturday. Three fire appliances from Portadown, Lurgan, and Armagh, along with an aerial appliance, were deployed to the site. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, successfully put out a blaze on an upper level of the structure. The building sustained extensive damage. Sgt Bigger of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) reported that the fire reignited on Saturday morning, prompting police officers and fire service personnel to return to the location. Sgt Bigger stated: “We believe that ignition was deliberate. The fire began on the top floor, and caused significant damage to the building.” He added: “Those responsible are extremely lucky that they weren’t seriously injured, or worse, when they chose to take part in such a dangerous act. “There are a number of residential properties nearby, and we are grateful that the fire did not spread.”