Police investigation launched after flat fires in New Lodge
- Published
Firefighters were called to the flats early on Tuesday morning
Police are investigating a suspected double arson attack at two flats in north Belfast.
The Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene on the New Lodge Road shortly after 06:00 BST on Tuesday.
They received a second call, to a fire in a different flat in the same building, around an hour later.
A woman was assessed for the effects of smoke inhalation, but she did not require hospital treatment.
People in the area told ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ News NI that they used to be pensioners' homes, but that has changed and there is now a lot of anti-social behaviour.
A NIFRS spokesperson said both fires were deliberate. Detectives are now appealing for witnesses.
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Det Insp Denis McGaffin said: "We are lucky not to be dealing with serious injuries or death as a result of this reckless action.
"A robust investigation has now commenced."
Sinn Féin MLA Carál Nà ChuilÃn said: "Thankfully due to working smoke alarms in the homes, no-one has been seriously hurt.
"Whilst it is unclear how this has happened, it is clear is that someone could have died as a result."