Londonderry: Woman treated for shock after arson

Substantial damage was caused to the house at Greenhaw Avenue

A woman in her 60s has been treated for shock after an arson attack in Londonderry.

The fire at the property at Greenhaw Avenue was reported at about 20:30 BST on Tuesday.

Police are investigating reports that an oil tank went on fire after bins were set alight, causing substantial damage.

The woman who was inside the house managed to escape. No-one was injured.

Five appliances from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the incident.

Station commander Clive Lowry said the damage was "quite significant".

"The oil tank ruptured and the fire spread to the house and a car behind the house," he added.

The area around the house was cordoned off by police on Wednesday morning

"The bungalows in the area are very tightly packed but crews managed to get the fire under control."

One of the woman's neighbours tried to stop the spread of the fire before the fire appliances arrived.

"I had just arrived home with the dog when I heard a loud bang then I saw the smoke," he said.

"I went over to the house to see what was going on - it was scary, it looked like it was going to explode.

"I saw the fire was nearly reaching the neighbour's oil tank so I started spraying water at it with my garden hose."

The police are investigating a possible link to damage caused to a car at Greenhaw Avenue after 21:30.

"It is believed a slate was thrown through the rear window of the car, causing damage to the vehicle," said a police officer.

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area to contact them.