Families leave hostel after fire

Up to 15 homeless families were forced to leave their hostel in Belfast following an apparent arson attack last night.

Up to 15 homeless families were forced to leave their hostel in Belfast following an apparent arson attack last night.

The families, mostly Catholic, were forced to seek alternative accommodation during disturbances in Ashmore Street between the Falls Road and Shankill Road. The hostel was set alight following an evening of stone-throwing which residents blamed on loyalist youths.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter