Residents forced to evacuate homes after Navan arson attack

More than 50 residents of a Navan apartment block were dramatically evacuated from their homes in the early hours of Monday morning after an arson attack on at least one vehicle led to a blaze in the underground carpark of the complex. Fears that the blaze could spread prompted the evacuation of between 50 and 60 residents from a section of Poolboy Quay at Flower Hill at around 1.15am on Monday morning. It is understood that the alarm was raised by a resident of the complex, and gardai and the local fire service rushed to the scene. Two cars were destroyed in the fire and extensive damage was also caused to the underground car park with the heat from the flames causing service piping to melt. A number of other cars were also damaged. It is not clear if one car was set alight and the fire spread to the nearby vehicle or if both vehicles were targeted. It is understood that the two vehicles were broken into beforehand. A technical examination of the scene was carried out and gardai have confirmed that they are treating the fire as suspicious. Superintendent Michael Devine has confirmed that gardai are following a definite line of enquiry and said they are hopeful of making early arrests. It is understood that two males were seen acting suspiciously in the area prior the incident. Enquiries were carried out in the area and CCTV is also being examined as part of the investigation. Navan Fire Service used compressed air foam to tackle the two car fires and quickly brought them under control. The intense heat caused service piping and insulation to melt, leading to extensive damage to the basement. A large amount of thick black smoke was vented out of the underground car park and could be seen billowing from the building. The all-clear was given at about 3.30am and residents were allowed back into their apartments. To read the full story see this week's Meath Chronicle.