A man has been arrested following a spree of car fires and an attempted car hijacking in South Belfast last night.
Police received reports that at around 11.40pm on Friday, December 9, that a car was on fire in the Fitzwilliam Street area. It was later extinguished by firefighters but was completely destroyed.
A couple of minutes later police received reports that a man had approached a car in the Lisburn Road area and ordered the female driver to get out before punching and kicking her. The man then made off on foot.
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At 11.50pm there were reports of a man trying car handles in the Upper Crescent area and shortly after midnight on Saturday, December 10, officers were called to two further car fires in the Cameroon Street area which caused extensive damage to both vehicles.
A 22-year-old man was later arrested in the Botanic Avenue area on suspicion of a number of offences including arson.
Detective Sergeant Dougherty said: "We received a report at around 11.40pm last night that a car was on fire in the Fitzwilliam Street area of south Belfast. Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who extinguished the fire. The car was completely destroyed.
"We then received a report a couple of minutes later that a man approached a car in the Lisburn Road area, opened the door and ordered the female driver to get out, before kicking and punching her and making off on foot.
"A further report was received shortly before 11.50pm that a man was trying car door handles in the Upper Crescent area.
"Shortly after 12.05am this morning, Saturday 10th December, officers attended a report of two further vehicles on fire in the Cameroon Street area. Extensive damage was caused to two vehicles. Two other vehicles also had their handles tried in the area.
"The man was then located in the Botanic Avenue area a short time later and arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, including two counts of arson and four counts of interference with vehicles. He remains in police custody at this time."
Detective Sergeant Dougherty continued: "Our enquiries are ongoing into this investigation and police are appealing to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time, or have any information which could assist, to contact them on 101, and quote reference number 2114 09/12/22.
"Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org."
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