POLICE officers have extinguished an oil tank fire in the Creggan area of Derry before it could cause serious damage to property.
Now an arson probe has been launched into the incident.
Officers on mobile patrol observed smoke emanating from the rear of a house at Eastway Road at around 6.30 am today, Monday March 14.
Upon closer inspection, they spotted a fire taking hold at the side of an oil tank. A second spare oil tank was also located beside the primary tank. Both tanks contained oil, one being almost full.
Firefighters were tasked, however attending officers were able to extinguish the fire.
Chief Inspector Gordon McCalmont said: “Without the prompt actions of attending officers this fire may have engulfed the rear of the property within minutes. One resident was at home at the time.
“Police are treating this as intent to endanger life.”
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to phone police at Strand Road on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.