A fire at the headquarters of a top Northern Ireland charity could be linked to a possible burglary, it emerged today.
The blaze which ripped through the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association offices on Belfast's Dublin Road caused damage that could take six months to repair.
As forensic experts examined the building, chief executive Mr Andrew Dougal said collection boxes belonging to the charity were found in a stolen car that crashed nearby.
He said: "The break-in hasn't been proven, but there's a suspicion. The room where the boxes are kept is so badly damaged we can't tell yet whether they are still there, but we think not".
The fire was detected when a passing police patrol spotted smoke billowing from the building overnight.
By the time firefighters brought it under control, several offices had been burnt out, the ceiling had collapsed and telephone lines had been knocked out. No one was injured in the fire.
Even though the fire had caused major disruption to the co-ordination work carried out at headquarters, Mr Dougal said all services to clients will continue.
A temporary telephone helpline has been set up. Anyone wanting to call the Chest, Heart and Stroke Association should call 0771-2871792.