LISTEN - Antrim fire being treated as arson attack

Q Radio news

A fire at a Turkish Barber shop in Antrim is being treated as Arson.

The premises on High Street had only been opened for a week, before tyres were reportedly set alight and put in the shop.

A takeaway restaurant next door also suffered smoke damage in last night's attack.

Three fire appliances attended the scene on High Street on Monday evening, and part of the street was closed off. 

Police believe the blaze was started deliberately.

Gareth Harman is the landlord of the premises and says he has no idea why the barber would be targeted:

Meanwhile, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Paul Michael has been speaking to Q Radio:

Mayor of @ANBorough Cllr Paul Michael tells @qnewsdesk that it's like 'he's went back 30 years' after a suspected arson attack on a Turkish barber shop in Antrim town centre. @stewrob92 has been at the scene this morning. More on air. pic.twitter.com/OEcfpSTgVu

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) February 5, 2019

Detective Sergeant Lenaghan said; “Substantial damage was caused to the interior of the premises following the incident which is believed to have occurred sometime between 7.30pm and 8pm on Monday evening. 

“We are treating this incident as deliberate and I would appeal for anyone who may have information which could assist our investigation or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area at the time to contact detectives."