Police are investigating a suspected arson in Ballymena after accelerant was used to start a fire near a home where three children and two adults were inside.

The fire which happened in the Dunclug Park area was reported in the early hours of Friday November, 29.

Two cars were extensively damaged in the fire, while a third car was also damaged. Police confirmed there were no injuries reported.

The PSNI has confirmed that they are treating the incident as arson with intent to endanger life and have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

Inspector Ash said: “We received a report shortly before 2.45am that a carport and a number of vehicles were on fire in the Dunclug Park area.

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. The carport, two cars, a number of tools and other items received extensive damage. A third car was also damaged.

“It is believed that accelerant was poured on a fence and spread to the carport, and at this time the incident is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.

“The fire was started in close proximity to a house, which had three children and two adults inside. There have been no injuries reported, and we are lucky we are not dealing with a much more serious incident this morning.”

Inspector Ash appealed to the public for information: “Our investigation is ongoing and anyone with information including dash-cam, mobile or CCTV footage of the area or who may have witnessed suspicious activity around the time of the report are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 98 29/11/24.”