Detectives are appealing for information and witnesses following an early-morning arson attack at a house in east Belfast. 

Detective Sergeant McCallum said: “We received a report at approximately 5.35am this morning, Friday 21st November, of a fire at the front of a property in the Rathmore Street area of the city. 

“Officers attended the scene, alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who extinguished the blaze. 

“Extensive scorch damage was caused to the front door area, including exterior fittings and a drainpipe. 

“Three occupants of the property who were inside the house at the time were thankfully able to escape uninjured.

“However, we are treating this report as arson with intent to endanger life, and enquiries are ongoing today to determine a motive and who was involved. 

“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything suspicious to make contact with us.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage of the area to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 165 21/11/25.”

A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org