PREGNANT WOMAN FLEES ARSON ATTACK

Outrage after blaze started at flats

A PREGNANT woman and her partner were lucky to avoid injury as they escaped through a window following a suspected arson attack at flats.

Two other women and two children were rescued from upstairs apartments after a passer-by spotted the blaze and raised the alarm in the early hours of Saturday.

Fire chief Brian Stanfield said people could have been killed in the East Belfast blaze which started at around 12.40am.

He added: “Heavy smoke and a fire in the main entrance hall was preventing the occupants from escaping.” Alliance Lisnasharragh Councillor Michael Long blasted those responsible for the blaze.

He said: “This was a disgraceful incident which could have easily led to the loss of life of a number of people including children.

“What on earth possesses someone to start such a dangerous fire and put so many lives at risk?

“I am thankful to the Fire Service for ensuring no one was killed here.

“It is important those behind this attack are brought to justice. I would urge anyone with any information on it to contact police immediately.”

Police said flammable liquid had been poured on the front door of the property on Rosewood Park and set alight.

Det Sgt Kelly added: “A fire was reported to police at about 1am and we attended the scene, along with other members of the emergency services. Accelerant had been poured on the front door and then set on fire, causing severe damage to it.

“We are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life.”

Det Sgt Kelly said police are appealing for anyone “who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to get in touch with detectives at Musgrave on the nonemergency number 101, quoting reference 83 of 26/8/17”.

EAST BELFAST YESTERDAY