Police in Northern Ireland are investigating after a fire station in Co Down was badly damaged and two fire appliances were destroyed in an overnight blaze.
The fire at Rathfriland station was reported at about 4.15am. Four fire appliances, two from Newry, one from Banbridge and one from Warrenpoint fire stations, attended the incident, with 20 fire fighters sent to tackle the blaze.
However, the fire had already taken hold, and the station was badly damaged in the blaze. Two fire appliances in the station were also destroyed.
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue (NIFRS) confirmed the appliance bay was been destroyed, but firefighters stopped the fire from spreading to other parts of the building, which suffered smoke and water damage.
There was no one in the station at the time, and no injuries were reported.
It is understood to be no indication of arson, though fire chiefs said the inquiry was at an early stage.
"It just goes to show that fire can attack anybody," said fire service area commander Don McKay.
"We have measures in place to make sure that we have adequate fire cover in the area.
"So the local community need not worry — a fire appliance will arrive if they need one."