Fire at former army base in Omagh being treated as arson

POLICE in Omagh are appealing for information and witnesses following a fire at derelict houses at the former St Lucia Barracks.

Inspector Beatty said: “Shortly after 6.30pm, officers received and responded to a report of a fire in the Derry Road area of the town.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance at the scene, and managed to extinguish the blaze.

“However the fire caused extensive damage to the buildings, and we believe that this has resulted in them being very unsafe to enter.

“We would therefore appeal to the parents of children and young people to urge them to avoid this area and not to enter it.

“Police are continuing to work with partner agencies in order to make sure the site is secure.

“It’s believed at this stage that the blaze was started inside one of the properties, and we are treating the incident as arson.

“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however I would stress how reckless an act this was, and how the consequences, should anyone have been in the area at the time, could have been tragic.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish who was involved and why this occurred. We’re appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or who might have any information which may assist our investigation, to call us on 101, quoting reference 1514 of 13/05/25.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have seen a group of young people in the area prior to the report being made.”