Northern Ireland

Fire at west Belfast home being treated as arson

The fire was reported in Cavendish Street area

Emergency services at the scene after a house fire on Cavendish street west Belfast.PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN
Emergency services at the scene after a house fire on Cavendish street west Belfast. PICTURE: COLM LENAGHAN

A house fire in west Belfast is being treated as arson, police have said.

The blaze in Cavendish Street was reported to police at 11.05am on Wednesday. Officers attended, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze.

Extensive damage was caused to the house.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “On arrival, a man was located outside the property and was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment for injuries that are not believed to be serious. “Enquiries are ongoing and we are treating this report as arson.

“Anyone with information about what happened is asked to contact police.”

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Fire appliances remain at the scene along with police officers.

In a post to Facebook, the Beechmount Residents Collective said: “Another fast response from Residents who made the 999 call and brilliant work from the fire department.”

The NI Fire Service have been contacted for comment.

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