Ballymoney tyre centre fire 'started accidentally'

Four fire service appliances were sent to deal with the fire at Rodden Foot in Ballymoney

A blaze which destroyed a tyre centre in Ballymoney is believed to have started accidentally, the fire and rescue service has said.

Four fire engines were sent to deal with the fire at Rodden Foot in the County Antrim town on Tuesday.

Station commander Barrie Davies said his crews "worked exceptionally hard" and brought the blaze under control in about three hours.

Nearby residents were advised to close windows and doors due to the smoke.

Mr Davies said it was understood no-one was hurt as a result of the incident.

Barrie Davies said the entire building was on fire by the time crews arrived

Cllr John Finlay, a member of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said he knew the owner of the business.

"He has a good trade and does a good service for the community. That will all be greatly missed," he said.

"I hope he can get it rebuilt and reopened very soon."

Paying tribute to the firefighters who worked at the scene, the councillor added : "They've done a tremendous job but unfortunately by the time they got here the fire was well caught and the tyres were burning.

"It was a very difficult fire that caused a lot of pollution."