This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6104928.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
Firebomb attacks on three stores Firebomb attacks on three stores
(40 minutes later)
Firebomb attacks have caused a major blaze at a retail park in Boucher Road in Belfast and two city stores. A firebomb has caused a major blaze at a retail park in Belfast.
The Homebase store has been destroyed. More than 70 firefighters attended the blaze, which spread to Reid's furniture store next door. The Homebase store on Boucher Road has been destroyed. More than 70 firefighters attended the overnight blaze which was reported at 0200 GMT.
A second fire broke out in Smyth's toystore nearby. Two other stores were also damaged by incendiary devices. A blaze at Smyth's toystore, also on the Boucher Road, was brought under control by firefighters.
Fire officers have also dealt with a blaze at JJB Sports in Ann Street in Belfast city centre overnight which badly damaged the shop. Crews also dealt with a blaze at JJB Sports in Ann Street in Belfast city centre which badly damaged the shop.
A number of staff were in the Homebase store when the device exploded.
There were no reports of any injuries in any of the incidents.
Keyholders in both areas have been asked to check their premises.Keyholders in both areas have been asked to check their premises.
About 50 jobs at Homebase have been potentially lost as a result of the fire.About 50 jobs at Homebase have been potentially lost as a result of the fire.
Fire crews were called to all three incidents at about 0200 GMT. There were no reports of any injuries. Gas cylinders
Group Commander William Cavanagh from the Fire Service said the fire at Boucher Road was extremely serious. Fire crews were called to all three incidents at about 0200 GMT.
Divisional Officer Chris Kerr from the Fire Service said the blaze at Boucher road was very dangerous. Divisional Officer Chris Kerr from the Fire Service said the blaze at Boucher Road was very dangerous.
"The crews were deployed inside Reid's and we had aerial appliances pumping water above the premises to stop that fire from spreading," he said."The crews were deployed inside Reid's and we had aerial appliances pumping water above the premises to stop that fire from spreading," he said.
"At one stage, there was an explosion involving gas cylinders inside the Homebase area, which hampered firefighting efforts."At one stage, there was an explosion involving gas cylinders inside the Homebase area, which hampered firefighting efforts.
"But again, all credit to those firefighters - their courage and professionalism resulted in the fire being confined to the Homebase store."But again, all credit to those firefighters - their courage and professionalism resulted in the fire being confined to the Homebase store.
"Although, it has been very, very badly damaged.""Although, it has been very, very badly damaged."
Northern Ireland Secretary Peter Hain has condemned the firebomb attacks.
In a statement, he said dissident republicans were trying to de-rail the St Andrews Agreement, but added they would not be allowed to succeed.