Q Newsdesk
At least three businesses have been badly damaged in an arson attack in West Belfast.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at Glendale Carpets on Kennedy way shortly after 12.30 this morning.
Police say the fire then spread to other businesses in the area.
NIFRS Group Commander Philip Martin has been speaking to Q Radio:
Detective Inspector Tom Phillips said:
"NIFRS reported the blaze at premises just off Kennedy Way to us just after 00:45am."
"We attended the scene where fire crews where tackling the blaze and which had spread to other business premises in the area. Kennedy Way was closed for a time, but has since reopened."
"The fire, which is being treated as arson, has caused substantial damage to at least three businesses in the area."
"This has been a despicable attack, which will undoubtedly have a severe impact on the businesses affected."
“I want to appeal to anyone who was in the area last night and who saw any suspicious activity, or anyone who may have captured any suspicious person/persons in the area on their dash cam, to call us"
Police launch murder probe following ‘brutal and senseless’ death of woman
More than 5,000 NI children set to spend Christmas in temporary accommodation
No evidence of police collusion in 1978 La Mon bombing
Sex offender who targeted girls online across the UK jailed for 27 years
Pre-trial rulings due in Bloody Sunday prosecution of Soldier F