Firefighters say blaze at derelict hospital site was deliberate

Image source, NIFRS

Image caption, The hospital building has been empty since 2012

Firefighters say a large fire at a derelict building in south Belfast is thought to have been started deliberately.

Forster Green Hospital, on the Saintfield Road, closed in 2012 and the site has not been used since.

The fire service was called to the scene early on Wednesday morning but the incident has now been scaled back.

At the height of the incident, about 40 firefighters were at the scene, with fire engines called from across the city.

An aerial appliance was also used.

Image source, Pacemaker Press

Image caption, Firefighters remain at the scene

People have been told to avoid the area where possible.

Residents living nearby have been advised to keep their windows and doors closed.