Charged with arson at neighbour’s flat

Simon McAleese, 37, was arrested by police investigating a fire in Pottinger House, a set of flats at The Mount, in the city on Wednesday.

One of the apartments situated in the property suffered extensive damage in the incident.

McAleese, a painter who lives in another flat within the same housing association complex, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with carrying out the attack.

He faces counts of arson endangering life with intent, and a further charge of burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage.

McAleese is also further accused of criminal damage to windows at the property.

Defence solicitor Dennis Boyd confirmed his client denies all of the alleged offences.

Mr Boyd also told the court he was not in a position to seek bail at this stage due to issues over a potential address.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall remanded McAleese in custody, to appear again by video-link on October 9.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man arrested as part of the investigation has been released on bail pending further police enquiries.