By Hannah Spratt
A police officer has been treated for smoke inhalation after responding to a house fire in west Belfast.
The male occupant of the property at Glasvey Gardens was uninjured after he was rescued by neighbours when the blaze broke out on Wednesday morning.
A number of homes had to be evacuated while firefighters tackled the flames.
Police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fire, which left the house extensively damaged.
Detective Sergeant Keith Wilson said it appears that the blaze started to the rear of the property and spread to the house. Police were called to the scene at around 2.45am.
"The male occupant, who was rescued from the house by neighbours before the arrival of police, did not report any injuries as a result of the incident. However, a police officer was treated by ambulance staff at the scene for smoke inhalation. A number of nearby homes were evacuated whilst Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) personnel extinguished the fire," said Mr Wilson.
He added: "Our inquiries into the cause of the fire are continuing and I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Glasvey Gardens area to contact detectives at Musgrave on 101, quoting reference number 138 19/07/17, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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