Police investigate possible link between two arson attacks in North Belfast
Police are investigating a possible connection between two suspected arson attacks in North Belfast after another vehicle was set alight in the Cupar Way area.
The latest incident occurred during the early hours of Thursday 22 October 2026, just three days after three vehicles were damaged in a separate fire on the same road.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that enquiries are ongoing and officers are examining whether the incidents are linked.
Car set alight during early morning attack
Police received a report shortly after 1.15am on Thursday that a white Seat Leon had been set alight outside a property on Cupar Way.
Inspector Matt Adams confirmed that scorch damage had been caused to the vehicle, with investigators believing that an accelerant had been poured onto it.
Officers are treating the incident as deliberate ignition.
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
Three vehicles damaged in earlier Cupar Way arson
The latest incident follows a separate arson attack on Monday 19 October.
At approximately 2.30am, police received a report that three vehicles were on fire in the Cupar Way area.
Officers attended alongside the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.
Investigators believe an accelerant was used to set one vehicle alight before the flames spread to two others parked nearby.
One car was completely destroyed, while the remaining vehicles sustained extensive damage.
Police confirmed that nobody was injured during the earlier incident.
An unidentified man was reportedly seen at the scene and was believed to have poured accelerant onto a vehicle before setting it alight.
He subsequently left the area on foot in the direction of the Shankill Road.
Police investigating possible connection
Following Thursday morning’s incident, the PSNI confirmed that officers were investigating whether the two attacks could be connected.
Both incidents occurred in the Cupar Way area within a period of four days.
However, police have not established a connection between the attacks, and their investigation remains ongoing.
No arrests have been announced in connection with Thursday’s incident.
Witnesses and dashcam footage sought
Police are appealing for witnesses who may have information about either incident.
Anyone who was in the Cupar Way area during the early hours of Thursday morning, particularly those with dashcam footage or other recordings, is asked to contact officers.
Information about the latest incident can be provided by calling 101 and quoting reference number 60 of 22 October 2026.
Anyone with information about Monday’s arson can quote reference number 84 of 19 October 2026.
Reports can also be submitted through the PSNI’s online reporting service.
Information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police enquiries into both incidents are continuing.
External link: PSNI online witness appeals
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