Newtownards: 11 vehicles damaged in suspected arson attack

Video caption, Eleven cars were destroyed in the arson attack at a car workshop

Eleven cars have been damaged in a suspected arson attack at a workshop in Newtownards.

The fire on the Glenburn Road in the town was reported at about 21:45 GMT on Wednesday.

It is believed it may have been started deliberately. Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area but the road reopened on Thursday morning.

The fire service said it sent three appliances, which left the scene shortly before 22:45 GMT.

Its spokesperson said the cause of the fire was believed to be arson.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Image caption, Some of the cars have been destroyed by the attack

One of the cars affected belonged to the wife of Democratic Unionist Party councillor Carl McClean.

"She's devastated, but obviously we're insured and we'll sort something out," Mr McClean told 大象传媒 News NI.

The couple had left the vehicle into the workshop for repair and it was ready for collection, until it sustained considerable damage in the blaze.

Image caption, Police remain at the scene of the incident

Police have appealed for anyone with any information about the incident to contact them.