Man escapes injury after arson attack at NI property - appeal for information

A man has escaped injury after escaping from an arson attack at his home.
By Gemma Murray
Published 20th Jan 2021, 12:04 BST
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Detectives are appealing for information following a report of arson at residential premises at the Chamberlain Street area of east Belfast yesterday evening (Tuesday 19th January).

Detective Sergeant Gardiner said: “Shortly after 6:55pm, it was reported that a window of a house in the area was smashed and a large firework was thrown into the living room.

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“One man aged in his 30s was upstairs at the time, but managed to escape the property and was not injured following the incident.

The scene on Chamberlain Street in east Belfast where the PSNI are investigating an arson attack on a property. Police reported on Tuesday evening a window at the front of the property was smashed and a firework was thrown through the window. A man in his 30s escaped from the property without being injured. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyeThe scene on Chamberlain Street in east Belfast where the PSNI are investigating an arson attack on a property. Police reported on Tuesday evening a window at the front of the property was smashed and a firework was thrown through the window. A man in his 30s escaped from the property without being injured. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
The scene on Chamberlain Street in east Belfast where the PSNI are investigating an arson attack on a property. Police reported on Tuesday evening a window at the front of the property was smashed and a firework was thrown through the window. A man in his 30s escaped from the property without being injured. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

“Damage was caused to the living room and the living room window.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.

“It is extremely fortunate no-one was injured as a result of this reckless act.

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“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area prior to the incident, to contact detectives on 101 and quoting reference number 1416 19/01/21. A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

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