Gardai probe fires in two Navan houses

Two houses in Navan were extensively damaged in suspected arson attacks within hours of each other on Sunday morning. The first blaze occurred around 2am at a vacant house in Clusker Park that is said to be used by youths as a drinking den. Extensive damage was caused to the upstairs and the attic of the two-storey end-of-terrace house. It is understood that neighbours raised the alarm and two units of Navan Fire Service rushed to the scene and brought the fire under control. Just a few hours later, at about 7am, the fire service was called to another house at St Mary's Park that was also extensively damaged in a blaze. The house had recently become unoccupied a day or two before the fire and the alarm was raised by a neighbour after their smoke alarm was activated. The smoke is believed to have moved through the attic to the neighbour's house activating the alarm. It is understood that several small fires may have been started in the end-of-terrace house. Gardai believe that both fires are linked and are treating the fires as arson. It is believed that one of the culprits injured himself as there was a trail of blood going from the house to the shops at Blackcastle. The scenes of both fires have been technically examined and Gardai say they are making good progress in their investigation and are confident of making arrests. Anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area is asked to contact Navan Gardai. Meanwhile, Cllr Anton McCabe has warned that it was only a matter of time before there is a fatality with people using vacant houses as drinking dens. He said residents living in the vicinity of vacant houses were being terrified by gangs using them. Cllr McCabe said that houses shouldn't be left vacant for any length of time considering the numbers on the housing list and because of the antisocial behaviour that develops around them. He said the council should have a 'flying squad' that could board up vacant houses as soon as they become vacant in a bid to stop them being used as drinking dens.