Masked man suspected of starting fire at Coalisland apartments

REPORTS of a masked man attempting to set fire to apartments in Coalisland is being investigated.

Police were alerted shortly before 4.45pm that a person dressed in dark clothing and a balaclava was seen pouring liquid from a can onto a window at one of the apartments in the Platers Hill area before setting it alight.

The suspect then fled the scene on foot before officers attended along with fire crews who extinguished the blaze.

A police spokesperson said that no one was inside the apartment at the time and no injuries were reported.

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Some minor damage was caused to the inside of the property and a full evacuation of the apartment complex was not required as the fire was contained.

“We are grateful to our colleagues in the Fire Service for tackling this fire which could have had extremely serious consequences for those affected,” they said.

Enquiries are ongoing and any one with relevant information has been asked to call 101, quoting reference 1325 for October 27.

Earlier that afternoon, over 70 fire fighters had been called to a fire at a commercial premises on the Oughley Road in Saintfield.

Local residents had been advised to keep their windows and doors closed while the wider public was asked to avoid the area.