Gardai treating Athlone fire as "suspected arson"

Gardai in Athlone have confirmed that they are treating a large fire which destroyed 600 bales of hay and a haybarn in The Derries area of the town last week as a case of “suspected arson.”

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week, Supt Andrew Haran from Athlone Garda Station, said that Gardai are investigating “all aspects” of the devastating fire and are reviewing CCTV from the location, but he confirmed that they are treating the incident as a case of “suspected arson.”

Four Fire Brigade units – from Athlone, Ferbane, Kilbeggan and Mullingar – attended the scene of the fire which broke out in the early hours of Monday morning, July 11, at the Derries, Auburn, and spent over 24 hours battling the large blaze. The fire caused visibility problems on nearby roads, housing estates and on the Irish Rail network.

Local Gardai also attended the scene of the fire, which was subsequently sealed off so that a technical examination could be carried out, and Sergeant Haran has renewed an appeal for witnesses to the incident to come forward.

They have particularly appealed to anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious in The Derries, Auburn area of Athlone at any stage between Saturday night, July 9, and the early hours of Monday morning, July 11, or who may have noticed anyone acting suspiciously, to make contact with Athlone Garda Station.

Sergeant Haran also confirmed that Gardai are also investigating the outbreak of “a smaller fire” at The Derries, Auburn at approximately 3am on Sunday morning, July 10, which did not cause any damage. “We believe the two incidents may be linked” he added.