Man arrested in connection with Newry fatal fire released on bail

By Q Radio News

A 42-year-old man arrested in connection with a fatal fire in Newry. has been released on bail.

The blaze broke out in a home in Park View, Cloughoge in Newry at about 11.40pm on Friday, May 21.

Police confirmed that 62-year-old Jimmy Thompson. died at the scene as a result of smoke inhalation.

A 42-year-old man arrested in connection with a fatal fire in Newry on Friday May 21 has been released on bail.https://t.co/KCMqi5gcnG

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) May 31, 2021

A second man was left in a critical condition after firefighters rescued him from the house.

Speaking shortly after the fatal fire, which officers believe was started deliberately, detective Chief Inspector Mark Gibson said:

"Two men were rescued from the property, but sadly one man was later pronounced dead at the scene. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Ambulance Service were also in attendance during the incident.

"We can confirm that 62-year-old Jimmy Thompson died due to smoke inhalation. A second man was taken to hospital following the incident and remains in a critical but stable condition at this time.

"We would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 2294 21/05/21. A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/."