Police investigation launched after flat fires in New Lodge

Image caption, Firefighters were called to the flats early on Tuesday morning

Police are investigating a suspected double arson attack at two flats in north Belfast.

The Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) attended the scene on the New Lodge Road shortly after 06:00 BST on Tuesday.

They received a second call, to a fire in a different flat in the same building, around an hour later.

A woman was assessed for the effects of smoke inhalation, but she did not require hospital treatment.

People in the area told 大象传媒 News NI that they used to be pensioners' homes, but that has changed and there is now a lot of anti-social behaviour.

A NIFRS spokesperson said both fires were deliberate. Detectives are now appealing for witnesses.

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Det Insp Denis McGaffin said: "We are lucky not to be dealing with serious injuries or death as a result of this reckless action.

"A robust investigation has now commenced."

Sinn F茅in MLA Car谩l N铆 Chuil铆n said: "Thankfully due to working smoke alarms in the homes, no-one has been seriously hurt.

"Whilst it is unclear how this has happened, it is clear is that someone could have died as a result."