DETECTIVES have arrested a 32-year-old man of arson after a flat was gutted in the early hours of this morning in east Belfast.
NIFRS say over 30 firefighters tackled the blaze at Dunlop House on Woodstock Link in the Mount area.
Crews received a 999 call around 2.45 am this morning.
The roof of the three-storey building has been badly damaged.
Two residents had to be treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics.
A community centre on Dee Street was opened up for those forced to flee their homes.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Michael Hawthorne said: “The 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life and he is currently in custody assisting police with their enquiries.
“We are lucky that we are not dealing with any serious injuries as a result of this fire and I would ask anyone with any information about this incident to contact detectives at Musgrave Police Station on the non emergency number 101.
“Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
