Co Antrim pub damaged in arson attack

A pub in Co Antrim was badly damaged in an arson attack early today.

A pub in Co Antrim was badly damaged in an arson attack early today.

Two military "yellow goddesses" - deployed because of the firefighters' strike - were called out to tackle the fire at Laverty's Bar in Main Street, Randalstown, when the alarm was raised at about 2.40 a.m.

Military crews using breathing apparatus fought the fire for more than an hour.

Police believe the blaze was started deliberately and have urged anyone with information to contact them. The property was badly damaged.

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Figures since 9 p.m. yesterday showed there were 62 emergency calls, nine of which were hoaxes and 30 genuine. "Yellow goddesses" were sent out 10 times.

Since the fire strike began on Friday, there have been 624 emergency calls in Northern Ireland, of which 123 were hoaxes and 246 were genuine. British army crews have attended on 114 occasions.

PA