Firefighters believe fire in south Belfast started deliberately

Q Radio News

A fire in an empty property in south Belfast last night is believed to have been started deliberately.

The alarm was raised in the University Street area shortly after 10pm.

Six fire engines attended the incident, and the fire was dealt with by midnight.

Firefighters searched the property, but no one was inside at the time the blaze broke out.

Residents were asked to close all windows. 

Two adjoining properties were evacuated as the fire brigade tackled the blaze. No injuries have been reported, at this time. 

While emergency services fought the flames, the road was closed with motorists advised to avoid the area and seek an alternative routes.

Investigations are ongoing.

Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: "The cause of the fire is under investigation, and I'm appealing to anyone who was in the area just prior to when the fire was reported, and who saw or heard anything suspicious, to call us on 101 and quote reference number 2041 of 04/08/21." 

🎥 Firefighters at the scene of a blaze at a three-storey building in south Belfast tonight attempting to stop the outbreak spreading to adjacent properties: pic.twitter.com/YJlcKgKk3K

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 4, 2021

PSNI: Police are in attendance along with the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service as they are dealing with a fire at a property in University Street, south Belfast. The road is closed between Botanic and Wellesley Avenue. Residents asked to keep their windows closed… pic.twitter.com/h9g3Cbqb1f

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) August 4, 2021