Salon owner 'devastated' by suspected arson attack

Police received reports that a van was driven at the premises before being set alight

A Belfast salon owner has said she is "absolutely devastated" after a van was reportedly driven into her business and set alight.

Deborah Kane told BBC News NI that she had put her "heart and soul" into the business and "someone has come along and destroyed it all overnight".

Police are investigating the incident on Saturday night as a suspected arson attack.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) received a report that a white Peugeot Partner van had "driven at" a commercial premises on North Street at about 21:10 GMT.

It was reported that a man got out of the van and set the vehicle on fire.

He then made off from the scene, running down Unity Walk.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue attended the scene and the fire was out by about 21:50 GMT.

Deborah Kane opened the salon in October 2024 after receiving a government grant

Ms Kane opened the nail and beauty salon in October after receiving a grant through Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant scheme.

The council has said the scheme is aimed at reducing the number of derelict premises in the city, and support local businesses.

Ms Kane said that Pretty In Pink was her first business venture.

"It took 17 months of work getting it up and running and a lot of people have put a lot of work into it," she said.

"I don't know what I'm going to do now, but I need to go and clear up the debris and board up the front of the shop."

Police have appealed for anyone with information, or dashcam footage of the incident, to contact them.