Woman in her 70s hospitalised for burns after Antrim 'arson attack'

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A woman in her 70s was rushed to hospital with burns and smoke inhalation after she was rescued from a burning house in Co Antrim in the early hours of Tuesday.

Police say the incident at a property in the Rathglynn area of Antrim is being treated as "arson with intent", and detectives are now appealing for information.

A woman in her 40s who attempted to free the woman was treated for hand injuries and smoke inhalation, while a man who also attempted to assist was treated for smoke inhalation.

Read more: Woman rescued from house fire in Co Antrim

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A PSNI spokesperson said: "Detectives are appealing for information following a report of arson at residential premises at the Rathglynn area of Antrim on Tuesday 21st January."

Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “At around 3:20am, it was reported to police that a property in the area was set alight. It was reported that a woman in her 70s was inside the property at the time. She was taken to hospital for treatment to burns to her hands and smoke inhalation following the incident.

"A woman aged in her 40s was treated for both smoke inhalation and injuries to her hands, as she attempted to free the woman from the property.

"Another man, also aged in his 40s was also treated for smoke inhalation as he attempted to provide assistance. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who were already in attendance, dealt with the fire."

The fire happened during the early hours of Tuesday morning

The fire happened during the early hours of Tuesday morning

The detective continued: "The property was significantly damaged and at this stage, the incident is being treated as arson with intent.

“Enquiries are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and police would appeal to anyone with any information, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 120 21/01/25. Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ . You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”

A social media post from NIFRS North said: "At 0310 hrs this morning fire crews from Antrim and Ballymena Fire Stations attended a 'persons reported' call in the Rathglynn area of Antrim. Crews wearing breathing apparatus rescued one female and extinguished the fire.

"The scene has now been handed over to the PSNI. Fire crews from Antrim will be in the area today to offer home fire safety advice to residents."

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Source: www.belfastlive.co.uk
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