Police investigate suspected arson attacks in north Belfast

By David Hunter

Police are investigating two suspected arson attacks in North Belfast.

Fire crews were called at 6.03am to a fire in a ground floor flat on New Lodge road.

The fire was already out when officers arrived and a search of the building was completed.

The cause of the fire was deliberate and PSNI attended the incident. NIFRS left the scene at 6.39am. 

A second call, to a different flat within the same building, was received at 7.14am. 

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue service said "The call was received as a carbon monoxide alarm sounding in a flat on the first floor.

"On arrival, Fire Crews discovered a fire in the flat directly below the one were the carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. Residual smoke had caused the CO alarm to activate in the flat above.  

"A woman was assessed by Ambulance Service at the scene but did not require hospital treatment.  The fire in the ground floor flat was already out and is also being treated as deliberate."

MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Three fires occurred at maisonettes on the lower New Lodge road this morning, causing extensive damages to homes. 

“People are lucky to be alive, but thankfully due to working smoke alarms in the homes, no one has been seriously hurt. 

“Police and forensic teams on the scene have informed local residents that the fires are being treated as sinister. Whilst it is unclear how this has happened, it is clear is that someone could have died as a result.

“I am working with the Housing Executive and local residents to ensure that the people affected are rehoused in adequate accommodation as soon as possible.”