Fire brigade officers believe a blaze at a block of flats in east Belfast was started deliberately. Sixteen people eight adults and eight children were trapped for a period by the fire.

They were eventually rescued from the top floor of the two storey building in Clara Way as flames swept through the block. One mother and her two children were treated for smoke inhalation. Fire officers said those rescued were lucky to get out alive.

The East Belfast MP, Mr Peter Robinson, complained that DUP representations had been made previously to the Housing Executive about fire hazards at the building.