Northern Ireland

Petrol thrown through letterbox of Derry house

Police are investigating the arson attack in Derry
Police are investigating the arson attack in Derry Police are investigating the arson attack in Derry

POLICE are investigating an arson attack in Derry after petrol was thrown through the letterbox of a house and set alight.

It happened in the Grafton Street area of the city in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Police and fire service attended the scene and put the fire which started at the front door, before it spread to the rest of the property.

"It’s believed that the fire started after petrol was poured through the letter box and set alight," a PSNI spokesman said.

"Thankfully, there were no reports of any injuries, however, given the fact that this is a densely populated area, the risk of the fire spreading to neighbouring properties could not be ruled out, and as such, this was a very reckless act which could have resulted in serious consequences.

"Our enquiries into the incident, which we are treating as deliberate ignition, are continuing, and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time and witnessed any suspicious activity, or who may have any information which may assist us, to get in touch."