A significant fire that engulfed a former convent building in Downpatrick has been determined to be deliberate, according to the Fire Service.

Firefighters were called to the scene of the blaze, which affected a building attached to St. Patrick's Church. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that their response was scaling back but crews were expected to remain at the location for several hours.

SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith, who was present at the scene, observed that the fire appeared contained, with most of the damage concentrated on the building's roof, which had caved in. He noted the building's historical significance to the town and expressed sadness over the incident.

Galbraith also mentioned that a priest had been ordained in the church just hours before the fire broke out.

Drone footage from above of a red-brick building with flames inside it. The building is large and long with its roof caved in. It is surrounded by small red-brick buildings and a grey stone church beyond it. Firefighters in hi-viz protective clothing are spraying it with water.

Galbraith's party colleague, Colin McGrath, described the fire as "difficult to watch."