Investigation after house set on fire while small children were inside

Accelerant was poured through the letterbox of the house at around 10.30pm last night.

POLICE IN BELFAST are investigating after a house with five people inside was set on fire last night.

Accelerant was poured through the letterbox of the house, at St Agnes Place, in the west of the city at around 10.30pm.

“The fire, which was extinguished prior to the arrival of the emergency services, damaged the front door and caused some smoke damage to the property,” Detective Sergeant Melanie McGrory said.

Two women, aged 61 and 23, and three children, aged between 4 and 6, were in the house at the time but were not harmed.

“We are working to establish a motive for the attack and are keen to hear from witnesses. Detectives can be contacted at Musgrave Police Station by calling 101,” McGrory said.

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