Residents evacuated after arson attack at former gym

News imageBBC Firefighters putting out a fire at a building.BBC
Police said they received a report of the fire at about 06:00 BST on Saturday

Residents were forced to evacuate their homes after an arson attack at a derelict building in Londonderry.

The fire started at about 06:00 BST on Saturday at the former gym on Grainan Drive.

Police said no one was in the building at the time and no injuries were reported but residents from the adjoining property were evacuated as a safety precaution.

One resident said they awoke to "banging on the door" but after two hours they were able to return to their homes once the fire was brought under control.

News imageThe derelict building which was set on fire. The picture is taken through silver metal bars.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland has appealed to anyone with any information to come forward.