Arson investigation launched after fire causes extensive damage to Belfast house

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

An arson investigation has been launched after “extensive” fire damage was done to a house in east Belfast.

Three people escaped the property in the Rathmore Street area of the city uninjured, police said.

Detectives are appealing for information about the incident, which was reported to police at 5.35am on Friday morning.

Detective Sergeant McCallum said they received a report of a fire at the front of the property.

“Officers attended the scene, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze,” he said.

“Extensive scorch damage was caused to the front door area, including exterior fittings and a drainpipe.

“Three occupants of the property who were inside the house at the time were thankfully able to escape uninjured.

“However, we are treating this report as arson with intent to endanger life, and inquiries are ongoing today to determine a motive and who was involved.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything suspicious to make contact with us.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 165 21/11/25.”