IN FLAMES

Two children among four people hospitalised after house firebombed as Gardai probe ‘suspected criminal damage’

Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information regarding the arson attack

• Published: 17:54, 18 Mar 2024
• Updated: 19:13, 18 Mar 2024

FOUR people, including two kids, were hospitalised after a firebomb was thrown into a family home in west Dublin overnight.

The arson attack occurred on Aylmer Drive in Newcastle at approximately 5am this morning.

Emergency services raced to the scene after a number of reports raised the alarm.

The Dublin Fire Brigade had to rescue three residents from the burning property using a ladder to enter an upstairs window.

A criminal investigation is currently ongoing after the house’s front window was reportedly damaged and a firebomb hurled into the residence.

Damage was also reported to the car in the driveway.Four people – two children and two adults – were hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident

According to the Irish Independent, Detectives are currently looking into a potential motive for the attack, with one line of inquiry being whether the arson was carried out by a man known to the homeowners.

Dublin Fire Brigade shared an image of the aftermath of the arson attack, showing significant damage to the front of the property.

Writing on X, they said: “Overnight, firefighters from Tallaght and Dolphins Barn fire stations were called to a house fire in Newcastle.”Three people were rescued by firefighters using a ladder and the fire was extinguished by crews in breathing apparatus.”

The scene has been preserved for a technical examination.

A garda spokesperson is appealing for witnesses to come forward with information regarding the arson attack.

‘Suspected criminal damage’

They said: “Gardaí received a report of a suspected criminal damage by fire incident that occurred at approximately 5am at a residence in the Aylmer Drive area of Newcastle, County Dublin.

“Four occupants of the house were evacuated and taken to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

“The fire was extinguished by Dublin Fire Brigade.

“The scene is currently preserved for technical examination and investigations into this incident are ongoing.