Residents evacuated following frightening arson attack in Derry
Residents had to be evacuated from their homes following what has been described as a frightening fire caused by arson in Derry.
Police are appealing for information following the attack on Saturday.
Detective Inspector Connolly said: “We received a report at around 6.05am of a derelict building on fire in the Grainan Drive area.
“Officers attended the scene, where colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, were already present, extinguishing the fire.
“There was no one in the building at the time and no injuries were reported. However, residents from the adjoining property were evacuated as a safety precaution.
“This is being treated as arson and our enquiries ongoing. While, thankfully, no one was hurt as a result of the fire, it could have turned out very differently."
Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy said: “It was a frightening night for residents in Belmont following a fire at garages in the area.
“Thankfully, no one was injured, and I want to thank the Fire and Rescue Service for their swift response in keeping people safe.
“I am also glad that residents who had to leave their homes have now been able to return. "
DI Connolly said: “We would appeal to anyone with any information which could assist, including CCTV, dash-cam or other footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 240 of 05/09/26.”
Alternatively, you can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.