Gardai have confirmed that arson was involved in fires in two public houses in Mayo last week and are appealing for help from the public with their inquiries.
Dicey Reillys in Ballyvary and Dicey Reillys in Newport were extensively damaged by fire at about 2.30 a.m. to 3 a.m. last Friday.
Both properties were leased by Mr Padraig Reilly of Belmullet, Co Mayo.
Insp Jerry Henry, of Castlebar Garda station, said it was now believed the fires were due to arson.
Forensic tests carried out by Garda technical experts over the weekend are expected to take some time to complete.
Meanwhile, gardai are seeking information on a man of medium build wearing a knee-length green coat who was seen walking on the Castlebar side of the Ballyvary pub at 1.55 a.m.
They also seek information on a green vehicle with a 00 Mayo registration which was seen in Ballyvary village between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. last Friday.
In Newport, information is also being sought on two 12-year-old children who were seen playing ball at George's Street at 2 a.m. near the Dicey Reillys pub. Any information can be given to gardai at (098) 25555.