Two separate businesses were left destroyed in West Belfast this weekend, following what are believed to be arson attacks during the night. 

Premises belonging to a taxi cab company and a barber suffered extensive damage during the incidents and the respective owners have been left devastated. 

A PSNI spokeswoman said police received reports of what is believed to be an arson attack at the premises in the early hours of Sunday morning. There was also a separate report, claiming that the explosion was caused by a back draft, and not an explosion.

Sinn Fein representative Rosie McCorley has condemned the incident.

"I attended the scene this morning and met with the owner who is totally devastated. The man who has built up his local businesses over twenty years by servicing the community has seen two businesses, a barber shop and a taxi office destroyed."

"I will be working with him in order to get these businesses alternative premises so we can minimise any potential job losses."