Gardai in Louth believe a house fire which left an elderly woman in a wheelchair with serious burn injuries this morning may have been started maliciously.
The woman, who is in her 70s, was initially brought to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda but later transferred to St James Hospital, Dublin for specialist treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.
The fire broke out in a house of Chord Rd, Drogheda and was spotted at about 1am. morning.
A Garda spokesman said they had begun house to house enquiries and were treating the matter seriously.
“We are appealing for anyone with information in relation to the fire to contact us.”
Gardai also praised the actions of a local man who went to the aid of the woman.
His actions “were essential,” said the Garda spokesman. The rescuer was also brought to hospital with burn injuries.