Young arsonists who set fire to a community hall in Bangor while pensioners were inside were roundly condemned yesterday by local politicians.
The elderly people were forced to flee the Skipperstone Community Centre after petrol was doused over the building and set alight on Thursday night.
The fire services were quickly on the scene to deal with the blaze. While some of the pensioners were shocked by the incident there were no reports of any injuries.
A gang of youths is believed responsible. Two teenagers, both male, were arrested in connection with the incident and later released on bail.
The Ulster Unionist MP for North Down Lady Sylvia Hermon said the shock, fear and panic felt by the elderly people was unimaginable. She described the action of the arsonists as shameful and said it was a "mercy" nobody was injured.
Local DUP Assembly member Peter Weir said: "The kind of thugs who carried out the attack must be brought to justice and I would appeal to anyone who might have some information to contact the police immediately."
The Alliance mayor of North Down, Stephen Farry also condemned the incident, as did SDLP North Down representative Andrew Muir.
