Hero neighbour rescues family

The 49-year-old man rescued the trio from a house fire in the Milltown Avenue Estate in Derriaghy around midnight on Sunday.

A smoke alarm alerted the heroic neighbour who moved quickly to rescue a 36 year old woman and two children, boys aged 10 and eight, from the blaze which appears to have been started deliberately.

The man who carried out the rescue was treated at the scene for the effects of breathing in smoke following the incident.

When he got into the property a number of seats of fire were discovered on the ground floor of the semi-detached property.

Fire crews wearing breathing apparatus used a hosereel jet to extinguish the fire.

The three casualties were all suffering from mild smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital by ambulance.

Police say that they were alerted to the blaze at the property in Milltown Avenue shortly before midnight.

A 36 year old woman, police said, was arrested following the suspicious fire.

The woman was questioned on suspicion of arson endangering life and was subsequently released on police bail.

Officers investigating the fire are appealing for information and witnesses. They can be contacted on 0845 600 8000.