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Firefighters tackle large blaze at old convent building

News imageStephen Barnes Drone footage from above of a red-brick building with flames inside it. The building is large and long with its roof caved in. It is surrounded by small red-brick buildings and a grey stone church beyond it. Firefighters in hi-viz protective clothing are spraying it with water. Stephen Barnes
Firefighters were called to the former Convent of Mercy on Sunday evening

Emergency services are at the scene of a large fire in County Down.

The blaze is located on the site of the former Convent of Mercy in Stream Street, Downpatrick.

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) said a total of ten fire appliances are at the scene, along with a water tanker.

The building is attached to St Patrick's Church in the town.

News imageStephen Barnes Drone footage from above of a red-brick building with flames inside it. The building is large and long with its roof caved in. It is surrounded by small red-brick buildings and a grey stone church beyond it. Firefighters in hi-viz protective clothing are spraying it with water. Stephen Barnes
Extensive damage appears to have been caused to the roof of the building, which is not in use at the moment

The fire is believed to be contained to the building, according to SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith who was at the scene.

"It doesn't look like it could spread, with most of the fire located on the building's roof, which appears to be caved in," he told BBC News NI.

A priest had been ordained there on Sunday afternoon, "just hours before the blaze," he said.

He added that it was sad to see the fire in "such a historical part of our town".

Galbraith's party colleague, Colin McGrath, described the blaze as "difficult to watch".

News imageColin McGrath A horizon of the tops of buildings and green trees. A towering grey church spire sits above the rest of the buildings. Grey smoke is bellowing from the trees to the left of the church. Colin McGrath

"Many local people will have memories of the convent and the role it played over the years."

The South Down MLA said the building "remained a familiar part of the Downpatrick skyline".

"Seeing it go up in flames is upsetting," he added.

Police have asked members of the public to keep away from the area.