Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a three storey building in the university area of South Belfast since the early hours of Tuesday morning.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were called to the building, which is understood to be a restaurant, just after 1am.
Seven appliances attended the fire on the University Road, which police are treating as an arson attack.
Police investigating the incident are appealing for information.
Inspector Green said police were made aware of the fire at commercial premises at around 1:10am this morning.
“Officers attended immediately and evacuated nearby properties and closed a number of roads.
“NIFRS personnel and police officers have been in attendance throughout the night and remain at the scene this morning.
“At this stage the fire is being treated as a deliberate ignition and our enquiries are continuing,” he said.
And Inspector Green is appealing for witnesses.
“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the University Road area of the town prior to, or around the time the fire was reported, to jog their memory and think if they saw any suspicious activity, including anyone acting in a suspicious manner.
“If you have any information about this please call police in Belfast on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 42 of 21/01/20,” he added.
Alternatively, information can also be given anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
