Car Chaos Hits South Belfast Overnight
South Belfast was rocked by a spree of car attacks between Friday night, December 9, and the early hours of Saturday, December 10. A man sparked panic after setting vehicles on fire and assaulting a female driver.
Car Goes Up in Flames on Fitzwilliam Street
Detective Sergeant Dougherty revealed the drama unfolded around 11.40pm when police and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service crews rushed to Fitzwilliam Street. They found a car ablaze and quickly extinguished the flames, but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
Attack on Female Driver and Car Door Raids
Minutes later, chaos escalated on Lisburn Road. A man forced open a car door, ordered a female driver out, then kicked and punched her before fleeing on foot. Police also received reports of the suspect trying car door handles in the Upper Crescent area just before 11.50pm.
More Arson Fires and Vehicle Tampering on Cameroon Street
By around 12.05am on December 10, officers responded to two more cars set ablaze on Cameroon Street. Two vehicles suffered extensive damage, while others in the area had their door handles tampered with.
Suspect Nabbed on Botanic Avenue
Police located and arrested the man shortly after on Botanic Avenue. He faces multiple charges, including two counts of arson and four counts of vehicle interference. He is currently held in custody.
“Our enquiries are ongoing. We urge anyone who spotted suspicious activity to get in touch,” said Detective Sergeant Dougherty. Call 101 quoting reference 2114 09/12/22.
