Northern Ireland

Police believe weekend fire in Coleraine may have been arson

POLICE in Coleraine are renewing their appeal for information following a fire at a property in the Ballycastle Road area in the early hours of last Sunday that almost claimed three lives.

Around 4am in the early hours of Sunday morning a report was received that an oil tank at a house was on fire. The fire then spread to the house causing substantial damage, requiring the occupants and near neighbours to be evacuated.

The Ballycastle Road was closed for some time whilst emergency services dealt with the incident and a man, woman and a small child were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. 



Detective Sergeant Kelly Gallagher said: “Following enquiries, it is believed that this fire may have been started deliberately. I would therefore appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area between the hours of 2am and 4am, or anyone who knows anything about this incident, to contact detectives at Coleraine Police Station on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 274 of 22/01/18. Or if anyone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”