Second arson attack on flat

The Young Street flat was subject to a serious attack in July last year and last week a wheelie bin was pushed against the front door and set alight.

The latest incident happened last Thursday night (May 31) at 11.55pm. The resident, who did not want to be named, said he was in the flat at the time and could hear stones being thrown against the window. It was then he was alerted to the fire at the front door.

“They pushed a wheelie bin against the door and set fire to it,” he explained. “Last time they poured petrol through the letterbox but I don’t have a letterbox now.

“I looked out through the window and I saw two men running away in the direction of the Ballynahinch Road.”

The police said they were treating the incident as a hate crime and appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive said a maintenance officer would inspect the property but added that the tenant has said he “does not want to move”.

He said: “The Housing Executive can confirm that there was a serious fire at this property last July and a further incident last week.

“The Housing Executive spoke to the tenant last year. He has stated that he does not want to move and he has not presented as homeless.

“A maintenance officer will inspect the most recent damage this morning, which is believed to be of a minor nature,” he added.

Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information to contact them at Lisburn on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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