Detectives are appealing for information following an arson attack at a flat in east Belfast during the early hours of this morning, Monday 20th April.

Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: “We received a report at 2.20am that a flat was on fire in the Duke Street area of the city.

“On officers’ arrival, colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were in attendance and extinguished the blaze.

“Thankfully, no one was inside the property at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

“At this time we are treating this report as arson. One line of enquiry we’re exploring is that accelerant was believed to have been put through a letterbox.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and I would appeal to anyone who may be able to assist with our investigation to contact us on 101, quoting reference 72 20/04/26.”

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/