POLICE are appealing for information following the report of a fire in the Ballymurphy area of Belfast around 6.40 am today, Saturday, February 17.

Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said:  “We believe that an oil tank at the rear of a property in the Whitecliff Parade area was deliberately set on fire.

“The fire then spread from it to the roof and upper storey, causing extensive damage to the house.

“The NIFRS attended and have extinguished the blaze.

“Thankfully no-one was in the house at the time.

“This was a reckless act, carried out by those who obviously had no concern about the damage, injury or loss of life that could have resulted from the fire.

“There was the potential for it to spread to neighbouring properties and put others’ lives and property at risk as well.

“I would appeal to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area around 6am this morning to get in touch with us on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 244 of 17/2/18.

“Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.”