Contractors porta-cabins destroyed in arson attack in Strabane

by Gráinne Connolly

Thousands of pounds worth of damage has been caused to construction porta cabins following a fire in Strabane.

The blaze is believed to have been started deliberately in the Springhill Park area at around 9pm last night.

1 fire appliance attended and extinguished the fire Incident was dealt with by 9.38pm

According to Strabane MLA, Michaela Boyle the cabins belonged to a local company, 'PK Murphy contracts': 

"I spoke with the contractor Mr Murphy who arrived on the scene while the fire service were trying to contain the fire.

"He said he is devastated at the extent of the loss in the fire. 

"The contractor has been in the Strabane area for a long period of time employed by the Housing Executive to provide much needed work to homes across Strabane.

"Mr Murphy said he has carried out work to homes right across the north for many years and this is the first time something like this has happened.

"The porta cabins were used as offices and to store tools, a toilet block was also destroyed in the fire. 

"I appeal to anyone who may know or saw anything suspicious in the area prior to the fire to bring the information to the relevant authorities.

"This is not just an attack on buildings but an attack on a whole community where the contractor was also providing much needed employment in the area . 

"Mr Murphy will not let this attack deter or delay works that need to be carried out it will be business as usual tomorrow."