Listed building destroyed by fire

A listed building in Belfast was destroyed by fire early today.

The roof and first floor of the unoccupied detached house at Piney Hills, off the Malone Road, collapsed.

Nearby gas cylinders had to be cooled by firefighters.

Listed premises are protected for their architectural or historic significance.

A spokesman for the Department of the Environment in the North said: “The Department regrets damage to any listed building.

“The Environment and Heritage Service will investigate the extent of the damage as soon as possible to assess the impact on the building and to determine what course of action can be taken.”

Four fire engines attended.