DETECTIVES are investigating an arson attack on a fish and tackle shop in Belfast city centre.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Services said it responded to a report of a fire at Bradell’s shop at North Street in Belfast city centre yesterday morning around 9 am.

Said a spokesperson: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used 2 main jets and a covering jet to extinguish the blaze in the shop.

“Fire crews rescued a 65 year old man from the building and administered oxygen therapy to the casualty for smoke inhalation at the scene.

“He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital by ambulance. The cause of the fire appeared deliberate.

“Fire crews from Central, Whitla, Westland and Knock stations attended the incident.”

Detectives at Musgrave PSNI station are investigating and anyone with information about those behind the attack is asked to ring them on the 101 non-emergency number.