Downpatrick: Fire at former convent building believed to be deliberate

A large fire at a former convent building Downpatrick is believed to have been started deliberately.

At the height of the incident on Irish Street yesterday evening, 70 firefighters were involved in tackling the blaze.

A statement from NIFRS this morning said, "On arrival crews were met with a well-developed fire involving a building. Crews utilised breathing apparatus, firefighting jets and two aerial ladder jets to resolve the incident."

"At the height of the incident 70 firefighters were involved. A total of 10 appliances attended from Downpatrick, Newcastle, Dromore, Ballynahinch, Comber, Carryduff, Banbridge, Newtownards, and Rathfriland stations, supported by 2 aerial ladder appliances from Knock and Springfield Station, a Command Support Unit from Lisburn Station and a water tanker from Warrenpoint Station. "

"All firefighting operations have now concluded as of 7am this morning. The cause is believed to be deliberate."