Northern Ireland

Residents rescued following arson attack in south Belfast

Residents were evacuated from their homes due to a shed fire.
Residents were evacuated from their homes due to a shed fire. Residents were evacuated from their homes due to a shed fire.

Police are appealing for information following a serious arson attack this morning in the Eglantine Place area of south Belfast this morning.

Five people, including a child, have been rescued, according to reports. 

A car was set alight before the fire spread to nearby vehicles in the ground floor car park of an apartment block.

Smoke from the car then spread to the building above and entered the flats.

Detective Sergeant Natalie Moore said: “At approximately 6:30 am this morning, police received a report that a vehicle in a ground floor apartment car park had been set alight, the fire then spread to building above.

“Officers and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and a number of residents were evacuated. 

“The road currently remains closed and diversions are in place.

"Enquiries into this reckless attack, which we are treating as arson with intent to endanger life, are continuing, and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area this morning, and who saw any suspicious activity  to call our detectives on 101, and quote reference number 235 of 04/02/21.

“A report can also be made online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/”

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/