The historic Convent Of Mercy in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland, has burst into flames – with a thick column of smoke billowing from the site and locals asked to close their doors and windows
A huge fire has engulfed a former convent building dating back to the 1870s.
Emergency services are working to tackle the fire at the historic Convent Of Mercy on St Patrick’s Avenue in Downpatrick, Co Down, Northern Ireland. The blaze was reported at around 7pm this evening.
The listed building went on the market in October last year with an asking price of £400,000 and planning permission for flats attached. It had previously sold in 2019 for £175,000, reports Belfast Live.
The former convent sits beside St Patrick’s Church, where the congregation had welcomed the ordination of a new priest just hours earlier.
Images from the scene show a large section of the building completely engulfed in flames with a thick column of smoke seen pouring from the site. Members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.
Sharing a photo of the fire on social media, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said: “So very sad to see the old convent building in Downpatrick engulfed in flames. While it has stood derelict for some time, it remains such a beautiful and iconic part of our town’s skyline.
“It’s heartbreaking to see it like this. My thoughts are with the firefighters working to bring the blaze under control. I hope they stay safe and that the fire can be contained before it spreads any further.”
Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service said in a post on X: “NIFRS are currently in attendance at building fire in Stream Street area of Downpatrick.
“We would ask for people to avoid the area whilst we conduct our operations and advise local residents to keep their windows and doors closed.”
A statement from the PSNI said: “Emergency services are currently dealing with a large fire in the Stream Street area of Downpatrick. Police would ask members of the public to keep away from this area to ensure everyone’s safety.”