A stolen car was parked in the forecourt of a filling station in the Rosetta area of Belfast and set on fire in the early hours of this morning (Thursday).
The car was completely destroyed and the filling station sustained a considerable amount of damage in what police are treating as an arson attack.
It is believed the car that was set on fire had been stolen from the Southland Dale area of Belfast just before 3am on Monday (16 December). Police also want anyone who may have seen a white Ford Fiesta being driven in a suspicious manner between 16 December and the time of this arson attack to get in touch with them.
Detective Sergeant William Arnott said police are extremely fortunate that they are not dealing with a more serious incident following this ‘unbelievably reckless act.’
Detectives are appealing for information following the arson attack at Rosetta Road.
Detective Sergeant William Arnott said: “It does not bear thinking about what could have happened to families living nearby if this fire had spread to the petrol pumps of this filling station. Whoever carried out this irresponsible act did not care who could get hurt.”
And he added: “I would appeal to anyone who has information about either of these incidents or anyone who may have seen a white Ford Fiesta being driven in a suspicious manner between 16 December and the time of this arson attack to contact detectives at Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101, quoting references 66 19/12/19 and 176 16/12/19. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Detectives appeal for information following an arson attack, Rosetta Road, Belfast pic.twitter.com/mEKDm2oOd0
— Police Service NI (@PoliceServiceNI) December 19, 2019