‘Utter stupidity’ of petrol station arson attack slammed
A BELFAST councillor has hit out at the “utter stupidity” of those behind an arson attack at a petrol filling station.
At around 1am yesterday morning a car parked in the forecourt of the filling station on Rosetta Road was set on fire.
The car was destroyed and the station so badly damaged it has been unable to reopen.
Police are focusing on the activities of a white Ford Fiesta, seen being driven suspiciously in the area earlier in the week on Monday and around the time of the attack.
It is believed the car that was set on fire was stolen from the Southland Dale area of Belfast at around 2.50am on Monday.
Police and forensic officers examined the scene on Thursday morning.
“We are extremely fortunate we are not dealing with a more serious incident this morning following this unbelievably reckless act,” said Detective Sergeant William Arnott said.
“It does not bear thinking about what could have happened to families living nearby if this fire had spread to the petrol pumps of this filling station. Whoever carried out this irresponsible act did not care who could get hurt.”
Alliance councillor Michael Long condemned the “utter stupidity” of the attack.
“This is a heavily built-up residential area and the actions of those responsible could have led to serious consequences if the filling station had caught fire as a result,” he said.
“My thanks go to the emergency services for helping ensure that didn’t happen.
“I urge anyone with information on this incident or those behind it to contact police.”