Soldiers held over suspected arson

Two soldiers were arrested today over a fire in a central Belfast hotel which appeared to have been started deliberately.

It is understood the soldiers were staying in Belfast as part of the firefighting arrangements set up by the army during the Fire Brigade Union strike.

More than 500 troops were specially drafted into Northern Ireland ahead of the last eight-day strike to man Yellow Goddesses, and will be back on duty on Wednesday if the next strike goes ahead.

The alarm was raised at 3am at the Travel Lodge in Brunswick Street.

Fire Service divisional officer Harry Walsh said the fire started in the first floor kitchen.

“The fire would appear to have been started deliberately. Initial inquiries found that some seat cushions had been put on an electric grill which was then apparently turned on.

“This is not the sort of thing I would expect in an accidental fire,” he said.

The Police Service said it was investigating the fire and had arrested two soldiers.