A dog has been burned after a wheelie bin was pushed against the front door of a house and set on fire in Ardoyne.
The empty house in Brompton Park was extensively damaged as a result of this incident. A neighbouring property was also damaged.
Police want to speak to a man wearing a dark hooded top.
Detective Sergeant Duffield said police officers and the NIFRS attended the incident, which was reported at 8:30am.
“While there were no people in the house at the time, there was a dog inside which sustained burn injuries. The dog is now being cared for,” he said.
“We believe this sinister and cruel attack was carried out at around 8am, and we’re keen to hear from anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around this time. In particular, we’d like to hear from anyone who saw a man wearing a dark hooded top who was observed at the scene of the incident at around 8am,” said Detective Sergeant Duffield.
“This was an early morning attack carried out when many people are off for Christmas, enjoying the festive break, but the perpetrator of this callous attack clearly has no regard for this, the community, the people who live there or their property. It is fortunate we are not dealing with more serious consequences today.
“If you have information about this incident call detectives in Musgrave on 101, and quote reference number 496 of 26/12/20.”
A report can also be made online via http://www.psni.police.uk/