by Gráinne Connolly
Police are investigating an arson attack in west Belfast where three people escaped injury.
It happened in the Ardmonagh Parade area of the city, just before 2.30am this morning.
It is believed a sofa was set alight outside a property and spread to the house itself, causing significant damage to two houses; the one targeted and an adjacent property.
However, it has now been established that two people were inside when the fire started and one person was in the adjacent house.
No-one was injured.
Meanwhile, two other nearby properties also suffered extensive smoke damage.
Detective Sergeant Conlan said, “Enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 152 of 01/08/19.
“Alternatively, information can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”
Call for tougher firearm checks to tackle violence against women in NI
Hilary Benn defends £50 million NI defence deal after Michelle O’Neill criticism
NI ‘probably’ worst in western Europe for cancer wait times – committee chairman
Police restraint did not lead to death of man, coroner finds
Man who stole Noah Donohoe rucksack says he ‘never met or saw’ schoolboy