GARDA FAMILY FLEE HOME IN TERROR AFTER ARSON ATTACK

Shock over fire blamed on dissident crime gang.

- PAT FLANAGAN

A GARDA and his young family fled their house in terror after an arson attack blamed on thugs linked to dissident republicans.

The officer, his pregnant wife and two children aged under 10 had a narrow escape after an attacker is believed to have thrown a petrol bomb outside their home in Dundalk, Co Louth.

A neighbour raised the alarm at around 11pm on Sunday after a row of trees was set ablaze. The heat was so intense it cracked the windows and melted plastic fittings.

Yesterday, the garda returned to survey the damage and spoke to another detective who remained at the scene in the Bay Estate.