POLICE are appealing for witnesses following an arson attack on a flat in the Rosewood Park area of east Belfast in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, August 26.

Three women and a child were plucked to safety by fire crews from their neighbouring flat. 

Detective Sergeant Kelly said: “A fire was reported to police about 1am and we attended the scene, along with other members of the emergency services.

“Accelerant had been poured on the front door and then set on fire, causing severe damage to it.

“There was no-one in the flat at the time but the NIFRS rescued three people and a child from neighbouring flats. 

“We are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life and would appeal for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to get in touch with detectives at Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 83 of 26/8/17.” 

Fire chief Brian Stanfield said people could have been killed in the blaze which began at about 12.40 am this morning.

“Heavy smoke and a fire in the main entrance hall was preventing the occupants from escaping,” he said.

“Our control centre was on the phone to the people in the flats and moved them out to the balconies.

“When we arrived, the fire service put ladders up and rescued the people.”