Northern Ireland

Police investigate arson attack and assault in east Belfast

The remains of a vehicle set alight in a suspected arson attack at Albertbridge Road in the early hours of Monday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
The remains of a vehicle set alight in a suspected arson attack at Albertbridge Road in the early hours of Monday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan The remains of a vehicle set alight in a suspected arson attack at Albertbridge Road in the early hours of Monday. Picture by Justin Kernoghan

POLICE in east Belfast are investigating a link between an arson attack on a house and vehicle, and an incident in which a man was dragged from his car before being assaulted.

The man was in his car in the Templemore Avenue/Albertbridge Road area at around 9.45pm last night when two men approached and attacked the vehicle before dragging him from it and assaulting him.

Later, at around 3.45am today, officers discovered a property and a car on fire at Albertbridge Road.

A number of householders in the area were evacuated from their homes while firefighters tackled the blaze. No injuries were reported.

A PSNI spokeswoman said officers are investigating a possible link between the incidents and have urged witnesses to come forward.

The property at Albertbridge Road which was targeted in the early hours of Monday morning. Picture by Justin Kernoghan
The property at Albertbridge Road which was targeted in the early hours of Monday morning. Picture by Justin Kernoghan The property at Albertbridge Road which was targeted in the early hours of Monday morning. Picture by Justin Kernoghan