Extensive damage has been done to a Belfast business after an arson attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Police said the incident happened at the premises in the Limestone Road area of north Belfast.

Yesterday sixty firefighters tackled the blaze.

At the height of the incident, people were urged to avoid the area while local residents and premises were told to keep their windows and doors closed.

A NIFRS spokesperson said yesterday: “At the height of the incident nine fire appliances from Whitla, Cadogan, Knock, Lisburn, Westland fire stations were attendance supported by an aerial ladder appliance, command support unit and a specialist rescue team.

“In total 60 firefighters have been involved in controlling this fire utilising breathing apparatus, firefighting jets and foam jets.

“Our regional control centre assisted throughout whilst continuing to ensure supporting arrangements were in place for other calls in the Belfast area.”

PSNI Sergeant McConville said: “Officers received a report at approximately 2.50am, on Saturday 15th March, that a business premises in the Limestone Road area, had been set alight.

“Officers attended the scene, after the fire had been extinguished by colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

“Extensive damage has been caused to the building, along with damage caused to machinery on the site and our enquires are ongoing at this time”.

“We are treating this report as deliberate arson and anyone that could help with ongoing enquiries is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 145 15/03/25.”