Residents evacuated from flats following arson attack in Belfast

By Q Radio News

Residents of a block of flats in Belfast have escaped injury following an arson attack last night. 

The building on Ulsterville Avenue was targeted at around 8.40pm resulting in those inside being evacuated. 

Police have warned that if the blaze had managed to spread beyond the communal hallway, the consequences could have been devastating. 

They are appealing for information and witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Moore said: “A report was received at approximately 8.40pm yesterday (Monday 9th August) that a fire had started in the communal hallway of the building.

“The fire, which was extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, resulted in damage to the hallway, and residents who were inside the building at the time were evacuated whilst emergency services dealt with the incident.

“Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however, had this fire managed to spread, the consequences could have been devastating.

“We are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life, and are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed any suspicious activity, or may have information which could assist us in our enquiries, to call 101 and quote reference number 1936 of 09/08/21.”