Woman and child hurt in arson attack

A WOMAN had a remarkable escape when she jumped from the upstairs of a house after a suspected arson attack on her home.

The woman and a child were last night being treated for injuries in hospital following the incident on the east of Galway city.

The blaze, which gardaí believe was deliberate, erupted just after midnight on Saturday in Cluain Ard, a private estate in the Ballybane area of Galway city.

It is understood that up to six people were in the rented home at the time of the incident.

Superintendent Tony O’Donnell said the woman and child had a lucky escape after fire engulfed the house.

“A house was attacked and burned in an arson attack. One woman was forced to jump form a top floor window to safety.

“We are appealing to witnesses to contact gardaí in confidence,” he said.

Galway gardaí are asking anyone who may have information about the incident to contact them at Mill Street Garda Station on 091 538000.

They do not believe the weekend attack is connected to a separate house fire in a nearby estate less than a fortnight ago, which led to the death of a 76-year-old man.

Local councillor Terry O’Flaherty condemned the latest house fire as a “dreadful” incident for the area.

“It is very upsetting for everyone, especially their neighbours in the semi-detached house. They had a very lucky escape.

“It is very tough on the decent people living in there, paying their mortgages, who are trying to build up a community, which they are doing.

“Some of the most decent people I have ever met are living in there,” said the independent councillor.