Cllr Neil Kelly said: “Lives could have been lost in this fire. There is no justification for this attack.
“I would like to praise the efforts of the Police officers who entered the building to bring people to safety and who were treated for smoke inhalation. I hope all those injured in this fire will be able to make a full recovery.
“I am also concerned by the reports that youths attacked Police vehicles with stones during this rescue operation. The Police are there to serve the whole community, they should not be attacked while they are carrying out their duties.
“I would urge anybody with any information about this arson attack to contact the Police.”
ENDS