Considerable damage was caused to a house in Larne last night in what police are treating as a suspected arson attack.
A wheelie bin was placed in the living room of the property and set alight around 9:15pm in the Fairway area of the town.
Residents from a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution – there were no reports of any injuries.
Detectives in Ballymena are investigating the incident and they’re appealing for witnesses and information.
Inspector Patrick Mullan said police were informed by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service of the fire at a house shortly before 9:40pm.
Police attended along with firefighters who extinguished the blaze.
“Considerable damage was caused by the blaze and the NIFRS has declared this fire as deliberate so we are treating it as arson.
“This was a totally reckless act and we’re fortunate not to be dealing with injuries or fatalities today.
“An investigation is now underway and I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Fairway area of Larne last night around 9:15pm and who saw any suspicious activity to contact detectives in Ballymena on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference 1321 of 08/12/18,” added Inspector Patrick Mullan.
Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.