Police in Ballymena are investigating after a Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) was tasked to a fire at the Asda Fuel Filling Station and store on Broughshane Street, Ballymena on Friday morning.
Two fire appliances attended the scene and firefighters entered the store wearing breathing apparatus. Subsequently it was confirmed that a fire had been lit in the toilet of the shop, which police are treating as deliberate.
Fire crews extinguished the small fire, with mostly smoke damage reported. The store reopened a short time ago.
In a statement police confirmed that they have identified a “young male” as part of their investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said:
“Police received a report of a fire at business premises at the Broughshane Street area of Ballymena on Friday 7th February.
“Officers attended and a small fire inside a toilet was extinguished by colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service. Smoke damage was reported to have occurred following the incident.
“Enquiries are continuing and at this stage, the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition. As part of our investigation, a young male has been identified and enquiries are ongoing.
“Police would appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the incident, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 484 07/02/25. Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.”