Man charged with arson endangering life following Woodstock Road incident in east Belfast
A 33-year-old man has been charged with arson endangering life with intent following an incident in the Woodstock Road area of east Belfast.
The charge follows reports of fires being deliberately lit behind commercial premises during the early hours of Saturday 17 October 2026.
Police confirmed on Sunday 18 October that the man had been charged and is due to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday 19 October.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service, as is standard procedure.
Woodstock Road arson investigation
Police were alerted at approximately 4.55am on Saturday following reports of a man lighting fires behind business premises in the Woodstock Road area.
Officers attended the scene alongside personnel from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS).
Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and police confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
A 33-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of arson endangering life with intent.
At the time of the initial arrest, detectives said they were also investigating several similar arson incidents reported in the surrounding area over recent days.
Police indicated that the arrested man was believed to be linked to those incidents, although no further charges relating to separate fires have been confirmed in the latest announcement.
Man charged following east Belfast incident
In an update issued on Sunday afternoon, the PSNI confirmed that the 33-year-old had been charged with arson endangering life with intent.
He is scheduled to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Monday 19 October.
The charge represents a significant development in the police investigation following the weekend incident.
As is standard procedure, the charge will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.
The allegation remains subject to court proceedings and has not been proven in court.
Police enquiries into reported fires
The original police investigation also involved reports of similar suspected arson incidents in the Woodstock Road area.
Detectives had indicated that they were examining potential connections between the incidents.
No further information has been confirmed regarding additional charges or the outcome of those enquiries.
The latest development follows the emergency response on Saturday morning, when police and firefighters attended commercial premises in east Belfast.
Further updates will be provided as information becomes available through official police announcements or court proceedings.
External link: PSNI witness appeal reporting service
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