Homes damaged in arson attack

Five people escaped injury after two houses were extensively damaged in an arson attack 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, in Co Down, Northern Ireland, at around 5.20am.

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 in bed 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.