Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fire at a residential property in the Galhaun area of Downpatrick during the early hours of this morning, Friday 6th March.

The incident is currently being treated as arson with intent to endanger life. It is believed that between 1.20am and 1.30am, a wheelie bin was positioned against the front door of a flat and deliberately set on fire.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene and extinguished the blaze, which caused damage to the door of the property. A man who was inside the flat at the time was able to escape the building through a window.

Detective Sergeant Emerson stated: “It’s believed that sometime between 1.20am and 1.30am, a wheelie bin was placed at the front door of a flat and set alight. “Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, and extinguished the fire, which resulted in damage being caused to the door.

“One man who was inside the property at the time of the incident managed to escape via a window.

“Enquiries are ongoing this morning to establish the circumstances of the incident, which is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life, and anyone with any information is asked to contact detectives.”

Police are urging anyone who may have information or who witnessed anything suspicious to come forward. Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting the reference number 47 of 06/03/26.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/.