‘It’s devastating to see it go up in flames like this’: Locals saddened by attack on historic Co Down building

An arson attack on an historic building in Newcastle, Co Down has been described as “devastating.”The fire broke out at a property in the Bryansford Road area, known locally as ‘Myrtle Lodge’ at around 4pm on Monday.Police have since said they believe the blaze was started deliberately, and officers are appealing for information.Councillor Jill Truesdale has spoken of her sadness after hearing the news. The Alliance representative for Newry Mourne and Down said she was working at her desk, which overlooks the woods where the lodge is situated, when she was sent a picture of the fire. She looked up and saw a cloud of black smoke.Read more: Rare glimpse of Belfast wall built to keep Catholic and Protestant apart even in death“Seeing the picture come through and then looking up to see the smo