An arson investigation is underway in Cork this evening after a fire at a shopping centre in Douglas, near the city.
The fire, which is estimated to have caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage, broke out at about 3 a.m. this morning at the Douglas Village shopping centre.
It has been reported that a gang of youths is thought to have set on fire a bin outside a newsagent’s at the centre.
The fire spread to the roof and caused substantial damage to a Tesco outlet and several other shops.
Five units of Cork City fire brigade and one unit from Carrigaline fought the fire.
Gardaí investigating the incident arrested three teenagers. A fourth is being sought for questioning.
The three were subsequently released and files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.