Northern Ireland

Emergency crews called to fires in Belfast and Newry

The scene of a fire at an apartment at Marcus Square in Newry. Picture by Newraypics
The scene of a fire at an apartment at Marcus Square in Newry. Picture by Newraypics The scene of a fire at an apartment at Marcus Square in Newry. Picture by Newraypics

EMERGENCY crews were called to fires over the weekend at homes in west Belfast and Newry.

A man and woman remained in hospital yesterday following a fire at a flat on Marcus Street in Newry, which was reported at about 6.50am on Saturday.

The man was taken to Craigavon hospital where he was in a "critical, but stable condition", while the woman was in a stable condition at Altnagelvin hospital in Derry.

Police said several residents were moved out of their homes during the incident and they are continuing their enquiries.

Meanwhile, police said they believe a fire that started in an oil tank at Whitecliff Parade in Ballymurphy was deliberate.

The blaze is understood to have started at about 6.40am on Saturday before spreading to the roof and upper storey, causing extensive damage to the house.

No-one was injured in the blaze.

Fire crews attended and extinguished the fire.

PSNI detective sergeant Keith Wilson described the incident as a "reckless act" and appealed for information.

"It was carried out by those who obviously had no concern about the damage, injury or loss of life that could have resulted from the fire," he said.

"There was the potential for it to spread to neighbouring properties and put others' lives and property at risk as well."