A WOMAN had a remarkable escape when she jumped from the upstairs of a house after an arson attack in Galway.
The woman and a child were last night being treated for injuries in hospital following the incident in the east of Galway city.
Gardaí have launched an investigation and appealed for witnesses.
The incident happened in the Cluain Ard estate in Ballybane in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Supt Tony O’Donnell said the woman and child had a lucky escape after fire engulfed their house.
“A house was attacked and burned in an arson attack. One woman was forced to jump from a top floor window to safety.
“We are appealing to any witnesses to contact Galway gardaí in confidence,” he said.
Councillor Terry O’Flaherty condemned what happened and said the area was in shock.
“It is dreadful what has happened in there,” said Mr O’Flaherty.
“It is very upsetting for everyone, especially their neighbours in the semi-detached house. They had a very lucky escape.
“Thankfully we have had no fatalities out of the incident. It is very tough on the decent people living in there paying their mortgages who are trying to build up a community, which they have been doing.
“Some of the most decent people I have ever met are living in there,” said the Independent councillor.
Gardaí are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at Mill Street Garda station on 091-538000.