A farm supplies shop in Northern Ireland has been damaged after a fire was started deliberately at the premises.
Fire crews were called to Clare Farm Supplies in Ballyclare, County Antrim, at just after 3.30am today (5thJanuary).
Around 40 firefighters tackled the blaze, which has now been put out.
BBC Northern Ireland reporter Kerry Thompson revealed that fire crews faced a number of obstacles when attempting to extinguish the flames.
She told BBC News: “Because of the high winds this has made it a very difficult operation.
“There was concern because of the closeness of other commercial premises – especially a car show room – that this fire would spread quickly. It’s been quite hazardous.”
No-one was injured in the fire as the building was empty at the time of the incident, although the property has been badly damaged.
Police have closed Park Street, where Clare Farm Supplies is located, between Main Street and Grange Street.