More than 100 people were evacuated from their homes early this morning after a major fire in west Belfast.
The fire happened at a disued factory on Sydney Street West in the Shankill area of the city.
A police spokeswoman said 30 homes were evacuated as eight fire appliances battled the blaze at about 2am. Some were taken to the Indian Community Centre on Clifton Street while others stayed with friends or relatives. Other residents in the area were advised to stay indoors with windows and doors shut for a time during the night.
Fire fighters have brought the fire under control and remain at the scene. Sydney Street remains closed to traffic.
As residents returned to their homes this morning police appealed for members of the public who might have seen suspicious behaviour in the area before 1am to come forward.
No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage. Minor damage was caused to houses near the fire.