LISTEN: Disability centre in Derry/Londonderry damaged in arson attack

By Q Radio News

A newly-opened centre  for people with learning disabilities in Derry/Londonderry has been badly damaged in an arson attack. 

Two blazes broke out at the Learning Disability Centre on Foyle Road, at around 7am this morning. 

Angry this morning to visit Destined after a break in & fire in their new building. Also wrecked the brand new kitchen.

The community r devastated, anyone with information contact the PSNI & any businesses or groups with camera footage along the Foyle Road also contact the PSNI pic.twitter.com/evgYULq2SH

— Karen Mullan (@k_mullan) February 29, 2020

Sinn Fein MLA Karen Mullan says there's no doubt it was deliberate as those behind it had to smash their way through the front door. 

"The criminals that did this also wrecked the brand new kitchen in the cafe," 

"This centre not only provides activities and programmes for young people and adults with learning disabilities, it's a social economy providing employment."

She also says there is widespread anger in the community following the incident. 

Police are appealing for information following a report of arson at business premises in the Foyle Road area of Derry/Londonderry this morning (Saturday 29th February).

Sergeant Hughes said: “At around 7:10am, it was reported that entry was gained to a property in the area.

"Two fires were reported in both the kitchen and under the stairs of the premises.

"Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fires.

"No one was inside the property at the time of the incident.

 "Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition.

 “We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 350 29/02/20. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime."