Arson, Glengormley
09 Jul 2010
Police are investigating a malicious fire at the Barron Hall, Antrim Road, Glengormley during the early hours of Friday 9th July.
The blaze at the cross community venue was reported to police at around 12.30am.
The fire service attended and extinguished the flames however the hall was completely gutted.
At this time it's believed the oil supply to the premises had been tampered with and the roof deliberately set alight.
Newtownabbey Area Commander Chief Inspector Paula Hilman has condemned those responsible, "The people behind this despicable attack on the Barron Hall should be absolutely ashamed this morning. This venue was a welcoming space for all sides of our community and thanks to mindless vandals it has been completely destroyed. Many local community groups who regularly use the hall have been left with nowhere to meet, nowhere to hold their events or to get together as neighbours and friends. It is not an exaggeration to say that people I have been speaking with today are genuinely devastated by what has happened here.
"Whatever the mindset or motivation of the contemptible individuals behind this attack, they should know that they have no support in this community. I would urge anyone who knows who they are or anyone with information that could help us identify them to get in touch with us. Investigating officers can be contacted at Newtownabbey CID Office on 0845 600 8000. Information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111."
