Hillerød Ungdomshuset – a popular youth centre where local kids gather to listen to music, drink and generally do what teenagers do – is a complete loss following a fire last night.
Police and fire officials strongly suspect the fire was set on purpose in connection with a break-in. There was a previous break-in on Saturday when someone attempted but failed to set fire to a couch. The arsonists unfortunately had better luck last night.
Before they set alight a pile of combustible material they had placed in one corner of the building, the arsonists vandalised the building, smashing audio equipment, the bar, lamps and other equipment.
Drug wars
The centre’s main hall was completely destroyed and the fire department had to tear through most of the roof to battle the blaze. Other rooms were damaged by smoke and soot.
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According to young people who used the centre regularly – who chose not to be named for their own safety – the vandalism and fire are part of what they called 'drug battles' between dealers from different parts of Hillerød. Access to the centre is now prohibited while police and fire personnel continue their investigation.
