Occupants have escaped injury in two separate fires in east Belfast in what police are treating as arson.
A man was not injured in the first incident which happened in Knocknagoney Park while a second fire was extinguished at Strathearn Park.
Detectives investigating the two incidents in east Belfast last night (Wednesday) are appealing for information.
Police said they received a report just before 11:20pm that the male occupant of a house in Knocknagoney Park was alerted to his door being on fire. The man managed to quickly extinguish the blaze prior to the arrival of the NIFRS. No one was injured but damage was caused to the front door.
A short time later at 11:35pm, police received a report of a fire at a house in Strathearn Park. NIFRS extinguished the blaze. Fortunately, there were no injuries but again, damage was caused to the front door.
Detective Sergeant Natalie Moore said both of these incidents were reckless and, had the fires not been extinguished so quickly, the consequences could have been devastating.
“We are treating both of these incidents as arson and we are investigating the possibility they both may be linked.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in either of these areas last night between 11:15pm and 11:40pm and saw any suspicious activity, including individuals or vehicles, to get in touch with our detectives at Musgrave on the non-emergency number 101, and quote reference numbers 1701 or 1717 of 29/04/20 or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111,” she added.