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'I woke my neighbours as their car was engulfed in flames'

Hayley HalpinBBC News NI
Elise Conroy raised the alarm after the attack outside the house in Carryduff

A woman who raised the alarm as two cars burned outside a family home has said it "could have been a very different matter" if she had not woken them up.

Elise Conroy shouted outside the house to alert her neighbours, including a child, to the fire in Carryduff, County Down.

Police are treating the blaze in Killynure Green, at 04:45 BST on Wednesday, as arson. They believe one vehicle was initially set on fire and it then spread to another in the same driveway.

No injuries have been reported.

Councillor Brian Higginson Two cars burnt out in a driveway. There is a cream coloured house behind the cars. Councillor Brian Higginson
The incident happened in the Killynure Green area of Carryduff

Local resident Elise Conroy told BBC News NI that she woke up to the sound of popping.

When she looked out her window, one of the cars was "engulfed in flames".

She said the family was still in the house.

"We all just kind of rallied together, ran over, screamed her name, tried to get as close to the house as we could, but everything was just up in flames, it was awful to see," Conroy said.

She said the woman and her child in the house eventually escaped.

She added: "No one should ever have to experience that, never mind in the one place you're meant to feel safe and at home. It was just awful."

"If we hadn't woken that girl it could have been a very different matter.

"I have never in my life seen fear on a woman's face like that

"She lost everything, her dignity, her safe place," Conroy said.

A grey haired man with a grey coat and red tie and blue shirt on
Councillor Brian Higginson says it was a distressing incident for the family

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) Councillor Brian Higginson told BBC News NI that the woman who was in the house is "very nervous" and "obviously distraught".

He said she has been "very traumatised".

Attack 'could have been more serious'

PSNI Inspt McCorry said the consequences of the incident "could have been far more serious".

"Extensive damage was caused to both vehicles, and enquiries are ongoing today to determine exactly what happened, who was involved and a motive," McCorry said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them.

Alliance councillor Jamie Harpur said the incident was "extremely concerning".

"I have been contacted by a number of residents, including young families, who have been left deeply distressed as a result. No one should have to witness this on their doorstep," he said.

"I will continue to work with the PSNI and council officers to ensure that appropriate action is taken and that residents feel safe again in their own community."