Gardai in Athlone have confirmed they are investigating an incident of criminal damage by fire following an incident at a haybarn earlier this week.
Several units of the Athlone fire brigade as well as tenders from Ferbane, Kilbeggan and Mullingar attended the blaze at the shed in the Derries, Auburn area of the town on Monday.
Hundreds of hay bales were destroyed in the blaze which took almost an entire day to control.
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A technical examination of the scene has taken place and Gardai have now confirmed a criminal investigation into the incident is underway.
They are asking for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in Auburn on Sunday night into Monday morning to contact them.
