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North Belfast blaze treated as deliberate

A fire at an unoccupied building on Herbert Street on Sunday, September 1st, is believed to have been arson.

The PSNI launched a probe after dashcam footage of the incident was circulated on social media

A 33 year old man is in police custody following a suspected arson attack on a North Belfast property on Sunday, September 1st.

Police received a report of a fire at premises in the Herbert Street area of Belfast at around 7.30am.

Detective Inspector Kerry Brennan said: “At approximately 7.30 am, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service reported a fire at a unoccupied property in the Herbert Street area of north Belfast.

"Police attended along with the NIFRS, who have ruled the blaze to be deliberate and so we are treating it as arson.

“A 33 year old man was arrested on suspicion of arson and currently remains in police custody.

“Anyone with information in relation to this incident should contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 565 of 01/09/19.”

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime