09/10/2002

Arson suspected in east Belfast house fire

Police are treating an overnight fire at a house in east Belfast as arson.

The fire at a house in Madrid Street was discovered by firefighters shortly after 4am this morning.

Police say that initial investigations indicate that an accelerant had been poured in an upstairs bedroom and a downstairs living room.

The house was empty at the time of the attack.

Although police inquiries are continuing, the fire is not believed to be linked to recent sectarian tensions in the area.

(SP)

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