02/01/2018

Seven Rescued From Block Of Flats In North Belfast

Seven people have been rescued from a block of flats in north Belfast after a motorbike was set on fire in the communal hallway.

The incident happened at flats on the Ardoyne Road just after 5.20am on Tuesday, 02 January.

Firefighters from the Northern Ireland Fire Service attended the scene and used breathing apparatus and ladders to rescue the residents.

They were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation and the communal hall was damaged as well as doors of the flats.

SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola Mallon said: "The fire crews from Westland and Springfield Fire Stations are nothing short of heroes. They bravely rescued seven people from a fire that broke out in a block of flats on the Ardoyne Road. They deserve our praise and admiration.

"Too often in life we take public servants for granted, because they are always there when we need them. Today on behalf of the people of North Belfast I want to say thank you to all our Fire Service who work tirelessly to keep us safe.

"My thoughts are with those all of those affected by this malicious fire and I hope they can return to their lives as normal as soon as possible. I would urge anyone with any information on who started this fire to pass it to the police."

(CD/LM)


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