Man arrested after house badly damaged in suspected arson attack

Police on patrol observed smoke coming from a property in the Dungormley Estate, Newtownhamilton, shortly before 10.45pm on Friday.

No-one was inside the house at the time but a neighbouring property had to be evacuated as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze.

There are no reports of any injuries.

A 31-year-old man was later detained on suspicion of arson with intent of endangering life and remains in custody.

Detective Sergeant McCarragher said: “Substantial damage was caused to the property as a result of this fire, which had the potential to spread to other adjoining houses and which is being treated as arson endangering life.”