Smoke and fire damage has been caused to a house following suspected arson in the Holyland area of south Belfast.
The fire broke out at a house in Carmel Street on Tuesday evening shortly after 9:30pm.
It is believed to have been started in the front room of an unoccupied house.
Detective Sergeant Kitchen said Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service personnel were quickly able to contain and extinguish the fire, which at this time is believed to have been started deliberately.
Smoke and fire damage was caused to the property as a result.
“This fire could easily have spread to nearby houses and endangered lives if not for the prompt response from our Fire Service colleagues. Police are therefore treating this incident as arson and I would ask anyone with information, or anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in Carmel Street in the time leading up to the fire, to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101 quoting reference number 2053 12/10/21.
“A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/