RESIDENTS have escaped injury in Co Antrim after a fire spread from an oil tank to a row of houses in a blaze which police believe may have been started deliberately.
The fire, which completely destroyed four properties, broke out at Ballyfore Road in Newtownabbey at around 5.45pm on Saturday evening.
Residents, amongst them elderly pensioners, were evacuated from their homes as around 50 firefighters battled the flames, with police urging people to also avoid the Ballyduff Gardens area.
One man was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, although there were no other injuries.
The Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze began after an oil tank caught fire, with 50 personnel in attendance at its height.
Police said that six houses were extensively damaged.
Four properties were completely gutted, with surrounding houses also sustaining damage, as a well as a number of cars.
There was widespread scorch damage to the properties, with several losing large parts of their roofs.
The nearby Valley Leisure Centre was opened as an emergency response centre in the immediate aftermath.
It is believed those affected are now staying with relatives and friends as statutory agencies source temporary accommodation.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, DUP councillor Paul Hamill, said that a motive for the blaze remained "speculation at this stage".
"The fact that it was during the day - I think that has been a significant factor in why we don't have any fatalities this morning," he said.
"We are very thankful that there are no serious injuries or fatalities and credit for that goes to the emergency services for their fantastic response."
Detective Constable Chris Perks said: “The fire extensively damaged six homes and we believe it may have been started deliberately. We would ask anyone who was in the area between 5-6pm and saw any suspicious activity to get in touch with police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
