Detectives have launched an investigation into a "very serious" arson attack on a home in Newry in the early hours of Wednesday morning which has left one man with serious injuries and a family pet dead.

Emergency services were called to the property in the Clonmore area, located off the Armagh Road, at approximately 2:20 AM on 14 January. It was reported that a suspected petrol bomb had been thrown through the living room window of the house while the occupants were inside.

Officers from the PSNI attended the scene alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who worked to extinguish the resulting blaze. A man in his 50s, who was in the living room at the time of the attack, sustained serious burn injuries and remains in hospital. Three other occupants, including a teenager who had been upstairs, were able to make their way out of the burning property but were later treated for smoke inhalation. Tragically, the family's pet dog died in the house fire, and a neighbouring property also sustained smoke damage.

Detective Inspector Moffett described the incident as a deliberate attempt to risk life and destroy a family home. He confirmed that the PSNI is currently investigating the attack as arson with intent to endanger life.

Investigators are appealing to anyone who was in the Armagh Road or Clonmore area in the early hours of Wednesday to come forward. Police are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have dash-cam, CCTV, or other footage of the area at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference number 93 14/01/26. Alternatively, reports can be submitted online through the PSNI's non-emergency reporting form or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers.