Two local business vans destroyed in Newry arson

Two vans belonging to a local business have been "completely destroyed" in an "reckless" arson in County Down.

It happened at about 23:25 BST on Friday in North Street in Newry. It's understood the vans belong to a local bakery that one councillor described as "the backbone of our town's economy".

Police received a report of two vans on fire and attended the scene alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) who extinguished the blaze.

There were no reports of any injuries.

In a post on social media, Sinn Féin councillor Valerie Harte described it as a "reckless act" that has caused "significant damage and disruption to a local business which is one of the backbone of our town's economy".

"It also brings fear into the local community, which is not needed or wanted," Harte said.

Enquiries are ongoing, and anyone who may have witnessed the fire or would have CCTV or dashcam footage are urged to contact police.