South Belfast: arson attack on house

A fire at a property in south Belfast last night (Sunday) was started deliberately, police have said.

A PSNI spokesperson said: "At 10.10pm, we were contacted by our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, reporting a fire in the Vernon Court area.

"A bin had been deliberately set alight at the front door of the residential property, causing considerable damage.

"Three people were inside at the time, and we're thankful that they were able to escape unharmed through the back of the property.

"We could potentially have been dealing with much more serious consequences this morning and are treating this as arson with intent to endanger life.”

The spokesperson continued: “We’re really grateful to the local community for their support for our investigation, and the victims, to date and would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, or who may have relevant information, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1437 01/02/26.

"Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ "