Five Escape From Antrim Flat Fire

Five people, including a three-year-old boy, have escaped from a fire that began in a car and spread to two houses in County Antrim.

Firecrews from Antrim and Ballymena were called to the blaze at Bleerick Drive in the Greystone estate at about 03:30 on Thursday morning.

Firefighters led two people to safety from one of the houses.

A three-year-old boy escaped with his family from the house next door, to which the fire had spread.

The PSNI said it was likely that the car had been set on fire deliberately.

NIFRS Group Commander Fergal Leonard said: "The alarm was raised by neighbours, who alerted occupants of both houses. Thankfully no people have been injured in this fire and there's no doubt that this is due to the prompt action by neighbours who alerted the occupants and indeed the fire crews who brought this fire under control. However, this could have been a much more tragic situation."

Alliance Councillor Neil Kelly said: "This was an extremely serious incident and I must condemn those behind it - their reckless behaviour could have left us facing a much more devastating situation this morning.

"I attended the scene first thing this morning and was shocked to see two houses badly damaged and two cars burnt out. While it remains unclear why this fire was started, this kind of thuggish behaviour is not welcomed by the local community, who are this morning stunned by what has happened.

"I want to praise the work of the fire crews responding at the scene. Through their quick action two adults were freed from the fire and the scene was secured, ensuring no other residents were put at risk.

"Those responsible must be removed from the streets before they can strike again and I would urge anyone with information to contact the PSNI as soon as possible."

(IT/CD)