Paramedics treat man after arson attack

The incident happened at a flat at Cloneen Drive, Ballymoney, around 9pm on Monday February 28.

A 47-year-old man was in the flat and he had to be treated by paramedics at the scene for smoke inhalation.

Inspector David Anderson of Ballymoney PSNI said the Fire Service believed the fire was malicious after something was pushed through a letterbox.

“We have to thank the swift and professional response from the Fire Service and paramedics that this man is alive today but it could have been a very serious incident,” he said.

Added Inspector Anderson: “This could have had potentially catastrophic consequences. Fire is dangerous and it destroys and can kill. There are repeated adverts on tv about the consequences of fire and for anybody to deliberately start a fire at an occupied dwelling is beyond belief and could potentially be treated as attempted murder.”

Inspector Anderson said they are trying to establish a motive and anyone with information can contact police on 08456008000 or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.