History Repeating Itself: Christmas crime spate strikes student area

Students warned to be extra vigilant over the holidays as crime erupts in the Holylands.

| UPDATED arson attack christmas crime Holylands police psni

Police are urging any witnesses to come forward in regards to a series of arson attacks within a two-hour period in the South Belfast Holylands area that ensued on the morning of Monday 29th December.

At approximately 5.15am on Monday morning police were called to an empty building on Botanic Avenue that had been set alight.

Less than two hours later, at around 7.05am, police were informed of an arson attack in a bedroom on the first floor of a home in Palestine Street. Another house on the same street was then reported as being set alight fifteen minutes later.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s area commander for south Belfast, Chief Inspector Robert Murdie, said;

“We would appeal to anyone who may have information relating to these incidents or who may have witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the Palestine Street or Botanic Avenue area to contact detectives at Musgrave Station on 101.”

Arson has been the crime du jour as students celebrate Christmas

These attacks are reminiscent of multiple arson attacks on cars in the South Belfast area that occurred over the Freshers period in September.

Police have urged students to be careful, and to ensure their homes are secured at a time when the usually densely student populated area is largely empty due to students returning home for the festive period.

Even when empty the Holylands is rife with crime.