PSNI arrest man in attempted murder, arson case

Police in the North have arrested a 26-year-old man in connection with an attempted murder that took place in south Belfast on Christmas Eve.

The victim, in his 50s, is in a critical condition in hospital.

Another man, in his 40s, is also in police custody, helping police with their inquiries into the incident.

The injured man sustained serious facial and head injuries in the attack and the house he was in was set alight.

A woman in her 30s, who was in the house at the time of the incident, was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. She has since been released.

The PSNI said the lower half of the house in Ireton Street was extensively damaged by the fire, which was started when a mattress and some rubbish were set on fire.