Woman in her 70s treated for burns following arson attack in Antrim

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

An elderly woman has been treated in hospital for burns following an arson attack at a house in Antrim.

Another woman and a man suffered smoke inhalation as they attempted to help the pensioner.

Police have appealed for information following the incident in the early hours of Tuesday in the Rathglynn area.

Detectives are appealing for information following a report of arson at residential premises at the Rathglynn area of Antrim on Tuesday 21st January: https://t.co/uM29JXrR8x pic.twitter.com/n1YiZICL5C

— Police Antrim and Newtownabbey (@PSNIANDistrict) January 21, 2025

A PSNI spokesperson said they received a report at 3.20am that the property was alight.

The spokesperson said: “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.”

The PSNI said the property was significantly damaged and the incident is being treated as arson with intent.

SDLP Antrim councillor Roisin Lynch described it as a “disgraceful incident”.

She said: “This must have been an absolutely terrifying experience for this woman and I can’t begin to imagine why anyone would target the home of an older person in this way.

“I would like to commend the man and woman who did their best to help this woman escape the fire, and the fire service for their response.

“Without them we could have been dealing with an awful tragedy this morning.

“People in this area are shocked that this has happened on their doorsteps and that a member of their community was placed in harm’s way.

“I would urge anyone with any information about this incident to come forward to police.

“Anyone who would target or harm an elderly woman in this way poses a serious risk and must be held accountable for their actions.”

Alliance Party councillor Neil Kelly said it was a “reckless” attack.

He said: “This kind of destructive and downright dangerous behaviour cannot be tolerated.”

Appeal for information after petrol bomb thrown at Ballymena property https://t.co/9Zj3atfz41 pic.twitter.com/cHxD9CQrWL

— Police Mid and East Antrim (@PSNIMEADistrict) January 21, 2025

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, the PSNI has appealed for information about a petrol bomb attack in Co Antrim on Monday.

Shortly after 11.15pm it was reported that a brick had been thrown through the window of a property in the Inchcolm Avenue area of Ballymena, followed by a petrol bomb.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Damage was caused to the inside of the apartment, however, no one was injured.

“This is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life.”