Police Investigate Arson in Ballymena Flats After Residents Trapped

Authorities are investigating a fire in Ballymena, County Antrim, as arson with intent to endanger life, after three occupants became confined to their apartments by smoke. The occurrence, which took place in the communal corridor of the residential building in the Drumtara area, was reported around 00:25 GMT on Thursday. Law enforcement officials stated that no significant injuries were sustained, though they noted the potential for “much more serious consequences.” According to police, a 32-year-old male, found by officers in the vicinity, was “arrested on suspicion of threats to damage property, attempted burglary and arson endangering life with intent.” Investigators suspect a connection between the arson and several prior incidents that occurred in Ballymena. Approximately 23:10 GMT on Wednesday, police were notified of a break-in at a retail establishment on Wellington Street. Authorities reported that an “unknown man was discovered in the storeroom area of the shop, and made off on foot when the alarm was raised.” “It’s understood the suspect smashed a window in order to gain entry to the storeroom, and stole a mobile phone belonging to a staff member.” Police indicated that a second report was received just before midnight, detailing “of a rustling sound in the hallway of a flat in the Drumtara area.” They further stated, “A man was located attempting to steal a television and was challenged by the reporting person.” “The suspect made off and is understood to have then tried to access other properties in the building before leaving empty handed.” Law enforcement officials reported that at approximately 00:25 GMT on Thursday morning, “whilst officers were in the area making enquiries – police received a report of a fire within the hallway of the flat complex.” “Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended and extinguished the blaze which is believed to have been started after a mattress was set alight in a storeroom.” Police confirmed that three residents remained confined to their apartments for the entire duration of the fire, and “were unable to leave due to the amount of smoke.” Authorities have issued a public appeal for details concerning these occurrences. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) reported that three fire appliances responded to the event in the ground floor communal space of the two-storey residential building. NIFRS personnel, equipped with breathing apparatus, “rescued two people from the flats” and “extinguished the fire using one-hose reel.” They further stated that the “cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition” and the situation was resolved by 00:52 GMT. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.