POLICE have said it is fortunate no one was killed after a wheelie bin was set on fire in the living room of a house in Co. Antrim last night.
The incident, which took place in the Fairway area of Larne, is being treated as arson.
Several residents in neighbouring properties had to be evacuated as a result of the blaze, which started at 9.15pm.
Detectives in Ballymena have now launched an investigation and have appealed for information.
“Considerable damage was caused by the blaze and the NIFRS has declared this fire as deliberate so we are treating it as arson,” said PSNI Inspector Patrick Mullan.
A wheelie bin was set on fire in the living room of this house in Larne last night. Neighbours say it was stupid, dangerous, and put lives at risk. pic.twitter.com/gL1mYQXRdm
— Sara Neill (@ImSaraNeill) 9 December 2018
“This was a totally reckless act and we’re fortunate not to be dealing with injuries or fatalities today.
“An investigation is now underway and I want to appeal to anyone who was in the Fairway area of Larne last night around 9.15pm and who saw any suspicious activity to contact detectives in Ballymena on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 1321 of 08/12/18.”
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
