Man (25) arrested in connection with Mournes gorse fire

Police have arrested a man, aged in his 20s, in connection with a large gorse fire in the Mournes.

District Commander for Newry, Mourne and Down Superintendent Norman Haslett said: 

“Officers received a request for traffic and travel assistance from colleagues in the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service on Saturday evening, 5th April.

“The gorse fire, which is being treated as deliberate ignition, was ablaze in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown.

“Road closures were in place overnight, with local diversions in place. These closures have now been lifted. Police also assisted with the evacuation of nearby residents.

“Officers’ conducting follow up enquiries have since arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of arson being reckless as to whether life would be endangered, and non-related driving offences.

“He remains in custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances surrounding the fire.

“Gorse fires have the potential to cause widespread damage to the environment and harm to wildlife as well as threatening homes, farms and the people living in those areas.

“We’re asking anyone who was in the Sandbank Road area of Hilltown yesterday and noticed anything out of the ordinary to make contact with us. Anyone who engages in this reckless behaviour should carefully consider the consequences of their actions, and will be subject to the full rigor of the law.

“We would also like to hear from anyone who may have any relevant dash-cam, CCTV or other video footage of the area that could help our investigation. Please call us on our non-emergency 101 number quoting reference number 1265 05/04/25.”