Arsonists torch bins next to gas pipe lines at Derry flats complex

A local councillor said it’s very lucky the fire didn’t spread to the apartment complex.

Tina Burke, a Sinn Féin councillor for the Moor District Electoral Area, said residents were extremely concerned at the arson attack.

She said they feared the burning of household recycling bins outside their homes could have led to a fire at Iniscarn Crescent in Creggan.

“Our party activists were in the area to check if residents were okay during the coronavirus pandemic when they came across the badly burned recycling bins.

“Residents they spoke to were fearful of what the consequences could have been of setting the bins on fire beside the stairs.

“There were also concerns that this took place in proximity to gas pipe lines going into people’s homes and additional household rubbish that was dumped under the steps to the upper floor of the flats,” said Colr. Logue.

She urged young people who may consider the burning of bins as a harmless diversion to think again.

The consequences could have been disastrous, warned Colr. Burke.

“We have seen in recent times similar fires in different parts of the city and how dangerous this can be for people living on the upper floor trying to escape.

“Can you imagine trying to get out of there late at night if the air was filled with thick smoke and flames and you had young children or mobility problems?” asked the local representative.

Those responsible have been asked to desist before someone is seriously hurt.

“I would appeal to whoever was behind burning the bins to stop.

“They might think this is just a bit of crack but they have no regard for the serious consequences of their actions plus the additional cost for local residents of replacing the bins.

“I have been in contact with the Council to try and get this rubbish cleaned up and I would urge anyone who needs bulky items removed to contact the free council collection service,” said Colr. Burke.

The incident occurred less than a week after hundreds of tyres were destroyed in an arson attack in Pennyburn.