Detectives investigating a report of arson at a residential premises in the Rathglynn area of Antrim on Tuesday 21st January, have made an arrest.
Detective Inspector Lenaghan said:
“At around 3:20am on Tuesday morning of last week, it was reported to police that a property in the area was set alight, and that a woman in her 70s was inside at the time. She was taken to hospital for treatment to burns to her hands and smoke inhalation following the incident, and at this time, she remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
“A second 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.
“A man, aged in his 40s was also treated for smoke inhalation as he attempted to provide further assistance.
“Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, who were already in attendance, dealt with the fire, but the property was significantly damaged, with the incident being treated as arson with intent.
“This morning, we arrested a 30 year-old man in the Antrim area in connection with the incident. He has been taken into custody to assist officers with their enquiries.
“Our 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/ or you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/ .”