Belfast: pizza shop damaged after burning car rams into front
The incident took place in the west of the city in the early hours
A pizza shop in west Belfast was damaged n the early hours of today (Tuesday) after it appeared a burning car was driven at its front.
Police officers on patrol on the Andersonstown Road at 5am on Tuesday spotted a vehicle and part of the Pizza Guyz shop front in flames.
A police spokesperson said at this stage it appears that the vehicle was driven at the shop and the fire started deliberately, causing extensive damage.
"Our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended and extinguished the blaze," they said.
"Our investigation is under way and anyone with any information, who may have been in the area at the time the incident took place, is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 140 of 09/01/24.
"We are particularly interested in speaking to those who may have dashcam or other footage."
The NIFRS said four fire appliances were involved in tackling the blaze, and it was described as having been dealt with by 7.47am.
They said the cause of the fire is being treated as deliberate ignition at this time
Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey strongly condemned the incident as absolutely deplorable", adding: "My immediate thoughts are with owner Ciaran Kelly and all the staff affected".
"Pizza Guyz employs many local people and is a highly respected business right across our community, with Ciaran supporting many community initiatives and events," he said.
"Attacks like this could end in death or serious injury, and it's lucky no one was physically hurt here.
"I totally condemn this vile behaviour and would encourage anyone with information to immediately bring it forward to the police."