Five people escaped injury after two houses were extensively damaged in an arson attack in Co Down early today.
A woman in her 50s raised the alarm after a blaze began in an oil tank at the back of her home in Primrose Gardens, Banbridge, at around 5.20 a.m.
The woman, who lives alone, then rang her neighbours' house next door to alert them. The family, which includes two children aged 12 and 14, were asleep at the time. All five people managed to get out before the fire spread to both properties.
The Fire Service and ambulance crews attended the scene and although no one was injured, some of them were treated for shock.
Police in Banbridge have appealed to anyone with information to contact them.
Meanwhile, a storeroom was completely destroyed in an arson attack at an integrated primary school in Co Down.
The fire at the Cedar Integrated Primary School in Crossgar was discovered by a passing milkman at around 7.15 a.m. He raised the alarm and fire crews discovered that a pipe had been removed from a large gas tank, which was then set alight.
The PSNI has described the incident as a completely reckless act which could have resulted in a huge explosion.
PA