Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following an arson attack in Downpatrick in the early hours of this morning, Saturday, 28th March.

Detective Sergeant Lewis said: “We received a report at around 1.50am of a fire at a property in the Saul Street area.

“Officers attended the scene, where the front door of the house was on fire and a number of ground-floor windows smashed.

“Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were already present and subsequently extinguished the fire before it spread to any neighbouring properties. Colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service also attended. However, the two people who were in the property at the time of the attack, were able to exit the house safely and no injuries were reported.

“This was obviously a shock for them, however, and there was significant damage caused to their home.

“This is being treated as deliberate ignition and as arson with intent to endanger life.

“Our enquiries are ongoing and we would appeal to anyone with any information, including ring-doorbell, CCTV or other footage, to get in touch with us on the 101 number, quoting reference 80 of 28/03/26.  

“Alternatively, you can submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.”