Four buses have been destroyed in an arson attack at a Belfast industrial estate overnight.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service was called to the Seymour Hill Mews area of Dunmurry at around 10.10pm on Wednesday, March 20. Five fire appliances attended the scene amid reports of four buses on fire.
The incident was dealt with by 12.52am, and police say they are treating the blaze as an arson attack. Ben Allen, of Allen's Tours based in Sandy Row, said his buses were "burnt to a crisp" in the fire.
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He attended the scene as fire crews worked to contain the flames. Speaking to BBC News NI, he said: "I got a call and got here as soon as I could. I actually had to jump into one of the open-top buses to drive it away from the flames. I managed to get that one away, but only just."
The four buses were part of a fleet of six parked at the site, with Mr Allen thanking the fire service for their work in containing the blaze. He said: "20 employees could have been coming in here with no work and it's really only thanks to the fire service being able to save the open top buses."
Issuing an appeal for information, local policing Inspector Henderson said: “Officers received a report from our colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service at approximately 10.15pm that three buses were on fire at Seymour Hill Industrial Estate.
“Officers attended the scene, and noted that the three buses were totally destroyed while another had sustained significant damage. We remain at the scene carrying out enquiries, and are treating this fire as deliberate arson. Anyone that could help with our investigation is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1764 of 19/03/25.
"We would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the lower end of Seymour Hill housing estate, Seymour Hill Industrial Estate or the Lagan Tow Path between 9.30pm and 10.00pm, who either witnessed suspicious activity or may have dashcam or other relevant footage.
"A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/"
A spokesperson for the NIFRS said: "Firefighters were called to reports of 4 buses on fire on Seymour Hill Mews, Belfast yesterday evening. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 1 jet and 2 hose reels to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation and the incident was dealt with by 12:52am."
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