Northern Ireland

Man (54) charged with arson after Portadown building set on fire and ATM attacked with hammer

A fire has broken out at a bank premises in Portadown. The Halifax branch is on the corner of High Street and Woodhouse Street. Police have arrested a man in relation to the incident. Picture by Press Eye.
A fire has broken out at a bank premises in Portadown. The Halifax branch is on the corner of High Street and Woodhouse Street. Police have arrested a man in relation to the incident. Picture by Press Eye. (Press Eye)

A man has been charged with a number of offences after a building was set on fire in Portadown, Co Armagh.

Reports were received of a man pouring a liquid onto the front of a building on the High Street, shortly before 8:40pm and setting it on fire. A nearby ATM was also allegedly attacked with a hammer.

It is not believed anyone was inside the premises.

The 54-year-old has been charged with intent, possessing an offensive weapon in a public place and possessing article with intent to damage property.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and put the fire out.

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He is due to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on Wednesday March 6.

As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.