Woman treated for smoke inhalation following arson attack

A woman in her 20s escaped serious injury following the fire in the Ballycraigy estate.

A bin was placed against the door of a house in Craighill and set on fire in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The woman, who was in the property at the time, was taken to hospital for the effects of smoke inhalation.

Condeming the incident, Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Drew Ritchie appealed for anyone with information on the attack to contact police to help with their enquiries.

“To place a bin against the door of a house and set alight beggars belief,” Councillor Ritchie said.

He added: “A young woman needed treatment in hospital and only for the quick action of the emergency services lives could have been lost and the house and others close by destroyed.

Councillor Ritchie added: “Setting fire to property is a serious offence and the courts must treat those responsible appropriately.

“Anyone who has any knowledge of the incident should inform the local PSNI.”

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the arson attack..

At around 4.50am it was reported that a house in the area was on fire. Police and NIFRS attended and it was established that a bin had been used during the attack.

Damage was caused to the door and hallway of the property.

Detective Inspector Christopher Millar is appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that will assist the investigation to contact Detectives in Antrim Police Station on the non-emergency number 101.

Information can also be passed anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.