A couple and their three-month-old baby have been forced from their home in north Belfast following an arson attack early yesterday.
A shed and an oil tank at the property at Old Throne Park in the Whitewell area were set on fire and the flames quickly spread. The area has witnessed suspected sectarian arson attacks in the past.
The family escaped unhurt but are said to be shocked at the attack which left the back of the house badly damaged. It is understood they have gone to stay with relatives.
Michael McGennis, who owns the house, said he was relieved that no one was injured. "I can't begin to describe how I feel. It was total shock; I went through every emotion imaginable," he told the BBC.
Mark Beresford of the North's fire and rescue service said the family were lucky to have escaped. "I think they were alerted fairly early on. Neighbours knocked their door and at the same time windows started to smash so the woman and the child were able to get out fairly quickly. They were very lucky."
Police are examining whether petrol bombs were thrown.
Sinn Féin councillor Tiernan Cunningham said: "They are a young couple with a young baby, trying to make a start in life, and this type of thing, in this day and age, is not on."
Last summer two families left the mainly nationalist Old Throne Park development following a similar oil tank fire at their home. The burning oil spilled into neighbouring gardens, melting a further two oil tanks and setting them alight.
Residents said they believed they had been targeted by loyalists.