33-year-old arrested over blaze at empty north Belfast property

by Gráinne Connolly

An unoccupied property has been set alight during an arson attack in north Belfast. 

It was reported to the NIFRS at around 7.30am in the Herbert Street area of the city. 

Police attended along with NIFRS, who have ruled the blaze as deliberate. 

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and remains in police custody. 

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “At approximately 7.30 am, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service reported a fire at a unoccupied property in the Herbert Street area of north Belfast.

"Police attended along with the NIFRS, who have ruled the blaze to be deliberate and so we are treating it as arson.

“A 33 year old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and currently remains in police custody.

“Anyone with information in relation to this incident should contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 565 of 01/09/19.”

Alternatively, information can also 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.