Arrest Made After House Fire

A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life after a house fire broke out on Bluebell Hill Gardens in Derry’s Brandywell area. No injuries were reported, but nearby homes were evacuated. Police are appealing for information.

Man Arrested Following Late-Night Fire in Derry

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man in connection with a suspected arson attack on a home in the Brandywell area of Derry/Londonderry on Monday night, 21 July.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) responded to the incident just after 11pm at a property in Bluebell Hill Gardens. While no one was inside the house at the time, the fire caused substantial smoke and fire damage. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

Neighbours Evacuated as Firefighters Contain Blaze

Detective Sergeant Ballentine confirmed that several neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated as a precaution while emergency crews dealt with the blaze. All residents have since been allowed to return to their homes.

“No-one was inside the house at the time of the fire, but a number of neighbouring properties were evacuated to allow emergency services to deal with the blaze,” said DS Ballentine.

Arrest and Appeal for Information

Police have arrested a 38-year-old man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. He remains in custody as investigations continue.

Detectives are urging anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area just before 11pm or who has CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage to come forward.

How to Contact Police

• Call: 101 quoting reference 1822 of 21/07/25
• Online: PSNI reporting form
• Crimestoppers (anonymous): 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org