Northern Ireland

Police suspect arson following fire in block of flats in south Belfast

The fire was extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
The fire was extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service The fire was extinguished by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service

Police are treating a fire at a block of flats in south Belfast as arson with intent to endanger life.

A report was received at approximately 8.40pm yesterday that a fire had started in the communal hallway of the building on Ulsterville Avenue.

Detective Sergeant Moore said:  "The fire, which was extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, resulted in damage to the hallway, and residents who were inside the building at the time were evacuated whilst emergency services dealt with the incident.

“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however, had this fire managed to spread, the consequences could have been devastating.

“We are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life, and are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed any suspicious activity, or may have information which could assist us in our enquiries, to call 101 and quote reference number 1936 of 09/08/21.”