Terrifying attack could have had horrific outcome

Terrifying attack could have had horrific outcome

29 October 2025

A WEEKEND arson attack on a family home in Downpatrick where a number of children were sleeping could have had horrific consequences had it not been for the quick actions of a man who put the fire out.

The terrifying incident occurred during the early hours of Saturday at Struell Avenue and two men who were seen in the area fled the scene, with what is believed to be their getaway car found ablaze a short time later at the Saul Road.

Around 3.45am, the men approached the house and poured petrol over the front door of the property and a nearby car, before attempting to set them on fire. 

The men fled before police arrived, with the burning car at the Saul Road found a short time later.

Police say it was extremely fortunate the fire did not get a chance to take hold, placing the lives of those inside the house at risk.

The fire was prevented from spreading by a resident of the property who acted quickly who he realised what was happening.

Police have confirmed there were a number of children and adults asleep in the Struell Avenue home when it was targeted, but no one was injured.

They have issued an appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who can help with their enquiries to come forward.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have information about the arson attack and who may have been in the Struell Avenue area early last Saturday morning.

Officers have also appealed for anyone who have any doorbell footage to contact them.

Downpatrick councillor, Conor Galbraith, has condemned the incident.

“We are incredibly lucky that the resident of this property was alert to this fire and able to put it out quickly before anyone was harmed,” he said.

“To set a fire at a property with both adults and children asleep inside in the early hours of the morning was a reckless and destructive act and we could have been dealing with a tragedy.”

Cllr Galbraith said what happened must have been a “terrifying incident” for those inside the house and the resident who responded to the blaze. 

“To put people at risk like this is totally wrong and I’m sure it will take time for them to come to terms with what happened,” he continued.

Cllr Galbraith said those responsible for the fire clearly had no regard for the safety of those inside the property and must be apprehended before they can hurt anyone else.

He has appealed to anyone with information that can assist police to come forward to assist officers with their investigation.

Anyone who can help is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference 204 of 25/10/25.

Information can also be submitted online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ or via the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/