Four men are still being questioned today in connection with a series of fires in the Buncrana area in Co Donegal.
Eleven fires have been started over the past few days all within a 15km radius of the town.
To date, three houses, a caravan and three farm sheds, two containing farm machinery, have been burnt. In the barn fire at Inch Island, a dog was killed. A primary school has also been damaged by fire and there were attempts to burn a house and HSE dispensary on the approaches to Inch Island.
In the latest fire, which occurred early yesterday morning, arsonists set fire to a car and tow barns containing a tractor and a large quantity of turf.
Five men aged between 17 to 24 years old were arrested yesterday in connection with the arson attacks and held at Buncrana and Letterkenny Garda stations. One of those held was detained under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act 1939 while the other four were detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
A 17-year-old male was released from custody last night while the others are still being held.
Gardaí have appealed for the public’s help in identifying those responsible and have asked people to report immediately any suspicious activity they see.