Two people have escaped injury following a suspected arson attack at a house in the Saul Street area of Downpatrick, County Down, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 1.50am, where the front door of the property was found on fire and a number of ground-floor windows had been smashed.
Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland attended alongside crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
Police said the two occupants of the house were inside at the time of the attack but managed to escape the property safely. No injuries were reported.
However, the incident has been described as a traumatic ordeal, with significant damage caused to the home as a result of the fire and associated damage.
Detectives have confirmed the incident is being treated as deliberate ignition and are investigating it as arson with intent to endanger life.
The nature of the damage, including the smashed windows and fire at the entrance of the property, indicates a targeted and potentially premeditated attack.
The area was sealed off following the incident as emergency services worked to bring the situation under control and begin initial enquiries.
Police have launched an investigation and are appealing to the public for information, including any sightings or suspicious activity in the Saul Street area at the time.
Background
Arson attacks in residential areas are treated as among the most serious offences due to the immediate risk to life, particularly when properties are occupied at the time.
In Northern Ireland/The North, such incidents are often investigated for potential links to criminal activity, intimidation or targeted attacks.
Emergency services routinely respond to these incidents with a full multi-agency presence due to the risk posed to occupants and neighbouring properties.
Current Status
The PSNI investigation is ongoing.
Detectives are working to establish who was responsible and the motive behind the attack.
Police have urged anyone with information to come forward as enquiries continue.
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