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Derry mum and son rescued from burning flat after arson attack

Lauren Harkin at her flat in Galliagh Park, Derry, which was targeted by arsonists. Picture by BBC
Lauren Harkin at her flat in Galliagh Park, Derry, which was targeted by arsonists. Picture by BBC Lauren Harkin at her flat in Galliagh Park, Derry, which was targeted by arsonists. Picture by BBC

A WOMAN who had to be rescued from a fire in her Derry flat along with her five-year-old son has told how she feared for their lives.

Lauren Harkin (23) and son Tyler were at home at Galliagh Park in the city when the blaze was started deliberately just before 9.50pm on Sunday night.

They found their way out blocked after a sofa was set alight against the front door and two bins were set on fire below the young boy's bedroom window.

The police described it as a "reckless act that could have resulted in fatalities" and have appealed for information.

Miss Harkin told BBC News NI that when she went to check on her son in bed, she saw flames at the front door.

"I called the fire brigade and they told us to get into the kitchen. There was no way out at all," she said.

"We had to get lifted out the kitchen window. I was petrified for me and my son, and in shock."

She said she now wants to leave the area where she was brought up.

Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service group commander Andy Burns said the occupants were very distressed.

"There was only one door in and out of the property because this was a ground-floor flat," said Mr Burns.

"The fire was actually blocking their escape route. The advice they were given was to find a room of safety and make themselves known at the window of the property.

"There was a lot of smoke and this fire could have potentially been a lot worse."