A group of four teenage girls were in a barn when a number of boys set it alight, police have said.
The 13-year-old girls gained access to an disused barn in the Mount Eagles Avenue area of Belfast.
Once they were inside a group of boys launched a set of lit polystyrene blocks into the barn, Belfast Live reported.
Bits of wood and stones were also thrown in after the girls.
One of the girls managed to contact Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service which attended and rescued them from the barn.
Detective Sergeant Hollie McCartan said: “Thankfully there were no reports of any serious injuries and only minor damage was caused to the barn.
"One of the males involved was described as having blonde hair which was shaved at the sides and wearing a black top and navy bottoms.
"Another was described as wearing a green and white coloured top, with a third described as wearing a grey tracksuit with the hood covering his face.
“It is extremely fortunate that we are not dealing with more tragic circumstances following this incident.
"This was a terrifying ordeal for the girls trapped inside and if they had not managed to contact the authorities, the consequences could have been devastating.
"The persons responsible showed a complete disregard for the safety and wellbeing of those inside. "
SDLP councillor Brian Heading called on those involved in the incident to come forward.
He said: "I would urge the young people involved in this incident to come forward and accept it was a foolish incident that could have had terrible consequences."
Sinn Fein councillor Daniel Baker added: "We are very lucky no one was seriously hurt last night, this is a lesson for us all and as a community we will work together to keep our community safe."
Sergeant McCartan added: “Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything in the area at this time to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 1819 13/07/20.
"You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/. "
