01/04/2011
Arson Suspected As Blaze Almost Claims Life
Police are investigating two suspected arson attacks in a residential area of east Belfast.
In the latest incident, a house at St Leonard's Crescent was almost destroyed in a blaze.
Occupant Stephen McElwee was asleep when his home went up in flames. His neighbours raised the alarm and he was able to escape unhurt, but the fire destroyed almost everything he owns.
Mr McElwee - who said he had not slept in the two nights since the blaze - commented: "It was terrifying. I didn't believe it until I saw the flames. The house is completely gutted. It might have to be pulled down. That hurts. I like living here and I am not going to move out for them."
Residents on the street want alley gates installed to restrict access to the backs of their homes.
They have been told that there is no money to pay for gates and if they want them, they will have to foot the bill, estimated at between £8,000 and £9,000, themselves.
Police said initial investigations suggested that something may have been thrown at Mr McElwee's house and that an oil tank went on fire.
Alliance representative Laura McNamee has joined residents in condemning the attack and calling for a gate to be installed in the alley between Chadolly Street and St Leonard’s Crescent.
Ms McNamee believes an alley gate could help prevent such attacks in future as the open alley currently provides an escape route for those involved in such incidents.
The Alliance representative commented: “This was an appalling attack and my thoughts are with the man whose house has been gutted in this incident. I was extremely shocked to learn of these incidents, particularly given the number of older people in the street who would have difficulty in quickly leaving their home in the event of a fire. This very nearly could have been the case last night, had it not been for vigilant neighbours.
“Given the threat that these attacks posed, I asked Council officials to add this street to the list of places that would get alley gates installed and we are currently exploring the possibility of donating equipment and money towards the cost of residents erecting gates themselves. I understand some local organisations have already offered to donate towards this initiative. I have also asked the Housing Executive if they would consider installing CCTV in the area in an effort to identify those behind the arson attacks.”
Ms McNamee joined police in appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.
(JG)
In the latest incident, a house at St Leonard's Crescent was almost destroyed in a blaze.
Occupant Stephen McElwee was asleep when his home went up in flames. His neighbours raised the alarm and he was able to escape unhurt, but the fire destroyed almost everything he owns.
Mr McElwee - who said he had not slept in the two nights since the blaze - commented: "It was terrifying. I didn't believe it until I saw the flames. The house is completely gutted. It might have to be pulled down. That hurts. I like living here and I am not going to move out for them."
Residents on the street want alley gates installed to restrict access to the backs of their homes.
They have been told that there is no money to pay for gates and if they want them, they will have to foot the bill, estimated at between £8,000 and £9,000, themselves.
Police said initial investigations suggested that something may have been thrown at Mr McElwee's house and that an oil tank went on fire.
Alliance representative Laura McNamee has joined residents in condemning the attack and calling for a gate to be installed in the alley between Chadolly Street and St Leonard’s Crescent.
Ms McNamee believes an alley gate could help prevent such attacks in future as the open alley currently provides an escape route for those involved in such incidents.
The Alliance representative commented: “This was an appalling attack and my thoughts are with the man whose house has been gutted in this incident. I was extremely shocked to learn of these incidents, particularly given the number of older people in the street who would have difficulty in quickly leaving their home in the event of a fire. This very nearly could have been the case last night, had it not been for vigilant neighbours.
“Given the threat that these attacks posed, I asked Council officials to add this street to the list of places that would get alley gates installed and we are currently exploring the possibility of donating equipment and money towards the cost of residents erecting gates themselves. I understand some local organisations have already offered to donate towards this initiative. I have also asked the Housing Executive if they would consider installing CCTV in the area in an effort to identify those behind the arson attacks.”
Ms McNamee joined police in appealing for anyone with information to please come forward.
(JG)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 February 2024
Appeal Following Stabbing Incident In Downpatrick
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a stabbing incident in Downpatrick. Police received a report shortly after 6pm on Saturday, 17th February that a man had been stabbed on a pathway in the St Dympnas Avenue area of the town.
Appeal Following Stabbing Incident In Downpatrick
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a stabbing incident in Downpatrick. Police received a report shortly after 6pm on Saturday, 17th February that a man had been stabbed on a pathway in the St Dympnas Avenue area of the town.
05 February 2024
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
Man Arrested After Using Van To Attack Police Officers
The PSNI has condemned an incident in which a man used a van to repeatedly ram a police patrol car and attempted to run over an officer in Newry on Saturday, 03 February. Shortly after 11:20pm, officers on patrol approached a man standing beside a white Peugeot van in the Castlekeele Estate area.
30 January 2024
Detectives Investigate Burglary In North Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary at residential premises in the Wilton Street area of north Belfast. Between 7.30am and around 6.25 pm yesterday, 29 January, it was reported that entry was gained to a property in the area.
Detectives Investigate Burglary In North Belfast
PSNI detectives have issued an appeal for information following a report of a burglary at residential premises in the Wilton Street area of north Belfast. Between 7.30am and around 6.25 pm yesterday, 29 January, it was reported that entry was gained to a property in the area.
22 February 2024
Musical Heritage Takes Centre Stage At St Patrick's Day
Belfast's musical heritage will be celebrated in this year's St Patrick's Day programme, taking place across the city from 1-17 March.
Musical Heritage Takes Centre Stage At St Patrick's Day
Belfast's musical heritage will be celebrated in this year's St Patrick's Day programme, taking place across the city from 1-17 March.
14 February 2024
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.
Former City Centre Police Station To Become New 74-Bedroom Hotel
A former police station in Belfast city centre is to be redeveloped for a new 74-bedroom hotel. Belfast City Council's Planning Committee approved the development on Queen Street, along with granting Listed Building Consent to bring the building into use again.