A number of hedges and a car were set alight within a few hundred meters of each other in Newry on Wednesday night.
Police made three arrests on following the report of a vehicle on fire in the city.
The fire at the rear of homes in Third Avenue in Derrybeg was reported to Armagh I at the same time.
Inspector Connolly said: “At around 9.15pm, we received a report that silver Mercedes had come to a stop on Camlough Road.
“Three men were seen exiting the vehicle just before it was alight.
“On attendance, police observed that a window on the vehicle had been smashed and a fire had been set inside.
“Shortly afterwards, a man aged 24 and a 17-year-old boy were arrested at a nearby address on suspicion of driving offences. A 22-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of driving offences, and arson.
“Following interview, the 22-year-old and 17-year-old were released pending further enquiries.
“The 24-year-old remains in custody at this time.
“Enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 1790 of 02/10/24. We are particularly interested in speaking to those who may have dashcam or other footage.
“If you would prefer to provide information without giving your details you can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
A NI Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said they attended two incidents within close proximity of each other.
The first call came in at 7:51pm for Derrybeg Lane. Two appliances from Newry attended the incident.
The spokesperson said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a small gorse fire on Derrybeg Lane, Newry. Firefighters used two hose reels to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 8.32pm.
The second call came in at 9.20pm for Camlough Road to which one appliance attended.
The spokesperson added: “Firefighters were called to reports of a car on fire on the Camlough Road, Newry. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose reel to extinguish the fire. The incident was dealt with by 9.40pm and the scene was left with the PSNI.”
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