Gardaí suspect organised crime group ordered Clondalkin fire attack

Sources say the woman suffered burns to more than 60% of her body, including to her face, after the incident in Clondalkin on Tuesday morning. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

An organised crime group is suspected to have ordered the attack on a suburban home in which a woman was doused in petrol and set on fire leaving her in a critical condition with extensive burns to her face and body.

Gardaí have gathered CCTV from the area in Clondalkin, Dublin, and a manhunt is underway.

The woman, 43, remains in a critical condition after the attack, which occurred shortly after 10am on Tuesday at a suburban home in Oak Downs, off Boot Rd in Clondalkin.

A male knocked on the door, doused the woman who answered in petrol, and set her alight, it is believed.

It is currently suspected that the woman knew the assailant.

The assailant fled the scene on a black e-bike, leaving the woman screaming and engulfed in flames.

Her partner, who was also in the house, tried to put out the flames, locals who witnessed the immediate aftermath of the attack, said. He also suffered some injuries and was treated in hospital.

The injured woman remains in a critical condition in a specialist burn unit in St James’ Hospital.

She has suffered burns to more than 60% of her body, including to her face, sources say.

Her partner, aged 49, has multiple previous convictions and has had serious threats made against him.

Attack may be linked to drug debt

It is suspected that the attack is linked to a drug debt and to a south-west Dublin gang operating in the Clondalkin and Ballyfermot areas.

Masked men had previously called to the couple’s house.

A drugs feud is ongoing in the area, sources say.

Gardaí have been conducting house-to-house enquiries and have harvested CCTV from the area.

Local Sinn Féin councillor William Carey said that neighbours who saw the woman screaming and engulfed in flames are traumatised and should be entitled to counselling.

He also called for more investment in youth diversion and addiction support services for the area. Mr Carey said: 

Some people heard the screams and came outside and saw the girl on fire. They are completely traumatised.

“The community is in total shock."

This latest attack was “raising the bar” on suspected drug-related violence, he said.

“The girl came to the door, there was no mistaking her identity. They knew what they were doing. It's attempted murder, as far as I'm concerned," Mr Carey said.

They covered her in fluid and set her alight. They tried to burn a person alive.

“The level of violence being used now is beyond anything I’ve seen before. And this is a very quiet, residential area. This is completely out of keeping with the general area.” 

Clondalkin's population has expanded rapidly, but support services have not kept pace, he said.

“I just hope this girl makes some recovery. For this to happen to anyone is horrendous.” 

• Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clondalkin Garda Station on 01-6667600, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111, or any Garda station.