LISTEN - Woman and child escape death following Derry/Londonderry arson attack

by Q Radio News

A 23 year old woman and her young child have escaped death, after being rescued from a house fire in Derry/Londonderry. 

We're told the blaze was started deliberately, after "thugs" pushed a sofa against the front door of the flat and set them alight. 

It happened in the Galliagh Park area at around 9.55pm last night. 

Lauren Harkin and her son Tyler who's five, had to be pulled to safety through the kitchen window as the fire took hold of the property. 

Both were left badly shaken as a result of the ordeal but were unharmed. 

Lauren told Q Radio she's now afraid to stay at home:

This is 23-year-old #Derry Mum Lauren Harkin. Last night thugs pushed a sofa up against her front door - the only exit out of her flat - and set it alight, trapping her and her five-year-old son Tyler inside. She says they are both lucky to be alive today pic.twitter.com/JalQlmvLDx

— Leona O'Neill (@LeonaONeill1) 26 November 2018

Local Councillor Warren Robinson has described the attack as despicable: 

PSNI Detective Sergeant Jack said, “This was a reckless act that could have resulted in fatalities.

"Whoever was involved wanted to cause death and destruction and their actions should be condemned by the local community.

“Thankfully no one lost their lives but we need anyone with any information to contact police to bring those responsible to justice."