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Fire crews rallied to reports of a number of blazes in Belfast earlier this evening.

It was reported that rubbish behind Connswater shopping centre was on fire alongside Avoniel playpark, while a motorbike went up in flames on Donegall Road at the junction with Sandy Row.

Firefighters have now said that despite fears of three separate fires, they found there were two actual incidents - with smoke from the playpark fire billowing across Connswater.

The motorbike fire was found to be deliberate and is now being investigated by police, but a decision has yet to be made on the cause of the Avoniel blaze.

A Fire Service spokesman said: "There were seven calls for the motorbike fire and eight calls for the fire at Avoniel."

As for the confusion over the number of fires, he added: "Somebody was going down the Sydenham Bypass and called it in as Connswater. People would have said it was Connswater, but it wasn't. It was Avoniel."

A spokesperson for Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said earlier that they were alerted to the blazes around 5.15pm and sent one crew to deal with each.

(Image: @RedBSierra)

The blazes were soon brought under control.

Earlier today, locals took to social media to say the east of the city was under a blanket of smoke for some time.

One said: "Can't see much with the smoke all over the roads. It's affecting whole of east from Connswater toward Belfast city centre."

(Image: @RedBSierra)

An East Belfast councillor said: "This vandalism was inflicted in Avoniel Park, much used and needed play facilities have been set on fire and destroyed. Absolutely incredible that anyone could be so mindless and despicable.

"Whoever was responsible - you are a disgrace to yourself, your family and your community. If anyone has any information on who was responsible please contact the police immediately. They have nothing positive to offer this community and we hope whenever they are caught they are faced with the full force of the law.

"I'm sure they will be proud of themselves this evening. Well done you must be very proud."

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