THE major damage caused by an arson attack on the former Antrim Arms hotel in Ballycastle not only represents a significant setback for the entire district, but is part of what must be viewed as a disturbing trend involving older buildings in a range of other areas.

Police have appealed for information, asking the public to pass on any CCTV or dashcam footage linked to the blaze, which at its height required a response from 42 firefighters, two aerial appliances and a command support unit before it could be brought under control on Sunday evening.

The consequences could have been even worse, with neighbours, who had very little time to escape as the intense flames spread across the town centre complex, speaking of the shock and stress they suffered during the........

© The Irish News