An arson attack on the home of an elderly couple as they slept in their bed has been condemned as “reckless” and “mindless”.
Burning items were put through the letterbox of the property in the Moss Road area of Lisburn shortly before 12.40am this morning. A wheelie bin was then pushed against the front door.
Four people were injured in the incident, including the elderly man and woman, and a passerby who made their way into the house to wake them suffered smoke inhalation. Another person who tried to help the couple sustained burns.
Police investigating the attack said none of their injuries were believed to be life-threatening.
Local DUP MLA Paul Givan appealed for the public to help police with their enquiries. He said the couple could have easily died in the fire and that those responsible must be brought to justice.
“The reckless actions of the individuals responsible could have resulted in the deaths of an elderly couple that where asleep in bed oblivious to the threat of the house being on fire only for the brave actions of neighbours that rescued them,” Mr Givan said.
“The people responsible for this mindless act need to be brought before the courts and face the consequences of their actions.”
Detectives in Lisburn have urged anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the Moss Road area around the time of the attack to come forward.
Press Association