Gardai investigating suspected arson appeal for witnesses

Trim Gardai investigating an arson incident that destroyed a house under construction in the Effernock area of Trim, have appealed for witnesses.

The alarm was raised around 8.30pm last night as flames engulfed the detached property and units from Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service spent several hours on the scene dealing with the blaze which extensively damaged the detached property.

The fire was contained to one dwelling and no injuries were reported.

A Council spokesperson confirmed that units from Trim and Navan attended and remained on scene until approximately 12:30am.

"A high reach hydraulic platform appliance was used to assist in extinguishing the fire safely. The roof was destroyed and there was significant damage to the property."

Gardai have confirmed that they are treating the incident as arson and have appealed for any witnesses who were in the area at the time to contact them.

A number of youths were seen in the area and they are particularly interested in talking to them.

"Trim Gardaí are investigating a suspected criminal damage by fire incident which occurred between 8pm and 9pm last night, Wednesday June 10th, at a property in Effernock, Trim," a spokesperson said.

"The property is a new build which was very near completion and it was severely damaged by fire.

"Gardaí are aware that a number of youths were in the general area of Effernock at the time and we would appeal to them to come forward to let us know if they witnessed anything or have any information regarding this incident.

"We would also appeal to anyone with CCTV footage in the area or dashcam footage to contact Trim Garda Station on 046-9486140 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111."