Coleraine fire may have been started deliberately

Police say a fire on the Ballycastle Road just over a week ago may have been deliberate

A Polish family were forced out of their home following a blaze on the Ballycastle Road just over a week ago, and Police say the fire 'may have been started deliberately.

A report was received by police at around 4am on Sunday 22nd January, that an oil tank at a house was on fire. The fire then spread to the house causing substantial damage, requiring the occupants and near neighbours to be evacuated. The Ballycastle Road was closed for some time whilst emergency services dealt with the incident and a man, woman and a small child were taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation. 

Detective Sergeant Kelly Gallagher said: “Following enquiries, it is believed that this fire may have been started deliberately. I would therefore appeal to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area between the hours of 2am and 4am, or anyone who knows anything about this incident, to contact detectives at Coleraine Police Station

The family have since secured temporary housing with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, while a gofundme page was set up to help the family.  

Police also said they were 'made aware of inappropriate comments' on social media about the Polish family who had to move home.