Firefighters tackle blaze at former Downpatrick convent

Firefighters in Co Down were last night tackling what they believe was a deliberate blaze at a former convent building described as a "beautiful and iconic part" of Downpatrick.

Firefighters were called to the property just after 7pm where a spokesman said they were met with a well-developed fire".

Around 70 firefighters were involved, using breathing apparatus, firefighting jets and two aerial ladder jets, supported by 10 appliances from towns as far afield as Newtownards, a Command Support Unit from Lisburn and a water tanker from Warrenpoint.

At 11.20pm, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said the incident was scaling back, but said they expected to remain at the location for a number of hours.

"The cause is believed to be deliberate," a spokesperson said.

South Down SDLP MLA Colin McGrath expressed sadness at the incident at a former convent building.

In a post on social media, Mr McGrath said while the building has "stood derelict for some time", it "remains a beautiful and iconic part of our town's skyline", adding: "It is heartbreaking to see it like this."

He also paid tribute to the firefighters working to contain the blaze.

A police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently dealing with a large fire in the Stream Street area of Downpatrick.

"Police would ask members of the public to keep away from this area to ensure everyone's safety."