Fire at GAA club started deliberately, police say

BBC Burnt debris on a patch of grass following a fire. is a GAA pitch in the background, with a row of trees in front of it. BBC
A shop, scoreboard and signage at Lámh Dhearg GAC in Hannahstown were destroyed in the attack

Police say a fire which destroyed facilities at a west Belfast GAA club was started deliberately.

A shop, scoreboard and signage at Lámh Dhearg GAC in Hannahstown were destroyed in the attack on Saturday evening.

In a statement on Monday, Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Insp Dalton said the fire is believed to have been started at around 18:20 BST on Saturday.

Insp Dalton said the fire caused "extensive damage".

"It's absolutely unacceptable that a community organisation should be targeted in this way," he added.

Belfast city councillor Arder Carson said the fire was a "blatant act of vandalism".

Speaking to BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster, Carson said: "It definitely fills you with despair and some anger that a club that does so much for the local community in terms of working diligently to provide facilities and services that give young people hope and opportunity has been subject to such an attack."

He said the club was "in the heart" of preparing for its children's summer camps and the start of a new championship season.

"Setting fire outdoors at any time is reckless but this level is just beyond reckless," Carson said.

"On the period of dry weather we have had, to set fires in an area like that which is rural and totally green is just beyond reckless."

Police are appealing for anyone with information to contact them.