Extensive damage caused to block of flats in Co Antrim following fire

Police are treating a fire at a block of flats in Ballymena as arson.

Officers say shortly after 6:30 this morning it was reported that Northern Ireland's Fire and Rescue Service were attending a fire at the building in the Larne Road area.

The blaze was put out and no one was injured - but substantial smoke damage was caused.

PSNI Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “Shortly after 6.30am, officers responded to a report of a fire at the property. Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already in attendance, and had extinguished the blaze, which has resulted in substantial scorch and smoke damage being caused throughout the communal areas of the building.

“Fortunately, there were no reports of any injuries as a result of the incident, which at this stage is being treated as deliberate ignition.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and we are asking anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity, or who has any information which might assist, to get in touch.

“The number to call is 101, quoting reference number 383 of 08/12/24, or alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org.”