TWO children were among six people rescued from a fire at a Dublin home in an incident gardaí are treating as arson.
The blaze occurred at a residence on Cherry Orchard Avenue, Ballyfermot, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Gardaí have now appealed for witnesses to the incident, which caused extensive damage to the property, while Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan branded it 'an attack on the whole community'.
Just after 4.35am on Saturday, gardaí from the Clondalkin Community Engagement Area responded to a report of a fire at the property.
"Dublin Fire Brigade extinguished the fire, which extensively damaged the property," read a garda statement.
"Six occupants, including two children, were rescued from the house and treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
"The fire is being treated as arson and is under investigation by members of the Crime South Unit based at Clondalkin Station."
'Unacceptable'
Cllr Doolan, who represents the Ballyfermot-Drimnagh constituency, called on the government to ensure gardaí have adequate resources to tackle crime.
"The arson attack in the early hours of Saturday morning on a family home in Cherry Orchard was totally wrong and totally unacceptable," he said
"It led to six people, including two children, being hospitalised.
"This was an attack on the whole community. Those involved in this attack need to be caught and face the consequences of their actions.
"I want to wish those injured in this terrible attack a full and speedy recovery.
"Everyone needs to feel safe in their home. We cannot and will not allow the criminals to win.
"I would appeal to anyone with any information to please contact the Gardaí Confidential Line.
"The Minister for Justice must ensure the gardaí have adequate resources and personnel to thoroughly investigate this attack and bring the perpetrators to justice."
Gardaí are appealing to anyone with information relating to the incident to come forward.
They are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who was in the vicinity of Cherry Orchard Avenue at the time of the incident, including road users and pedestrians.
Additionally, anyone with relevant camera footage is asked to make it available to gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyfermot Garda Station on 01 666 7200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any garda station.
See More: Ballyfermot, Dublin
