Detectives investigating a fire at an assisted living facility in South Belfast have arrested a man this afternoon.
Officers say they were notified of the fire just after 1pm at a property in the North Parade area of the city.
Detective Sergeant O’Flaherty said: "Officers attended along with colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who evacuated residents and extinguished the blaze.
"It’s believed the fire was started deliberately. And while, thankfully, there are no reports of any injuries, one room has been left gutted, with smoke damage caused to a neighbouring room.
"A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody at this time, assisting with enquiries.
"Our enquiries continue, and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference number 754 of 08/06/20."
A spokesperon for NIFRS said: "All personnel were evacuated from the building and firefighters wore breathing apparatuses and used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.
"One Appliance from Central Fire Station and one Appliance from Knock Fire Station attended the incident.
"The incident was dealt with by 2.05pm and the cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition."
