13/08/2010 - Fire destroys Belfast social club
A social club in west Belfast has been consumed by flames, suspected to have started after robbers tried to sneak out cigarettes from the premises.
The single-storey building at Twinbrook, which is nothing but charred remains after the fire, has been under operation for more than three decades now.
The fire was brought under control after two and a half hours, with up to 35 firefighters using five appliances at one point.
The incident has threatened the jobs of part-time employees at the club.
A fire service spokeswoman confirmed: "It is believed that the fire had been started deliberately."
A police spokeswoman said the fire was reported at 3.50am on Friday. Detectives believe the robbers entered the premises and forced open a till and gaming machine before setting ablaze the building. It is not yet known if anything was taken.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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