Police have launched an investigation following a petrol bomb attack on a house in Saintfield during the early hours of this morning, Wednesday 1 April.

The incident occurred in the Manse Court area at approximately 1.15am. It was reported that a window had been smashed before a petrol bomb was thrown into the property, causing the building to catch fire.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland attended the scene alongside crews from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. A female resident was successfully rescued from the burning house during the emergency operation. Detective Sergeant Johnston stated: "This is being treated as arson with intent to endanger life and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or to anyone with CCTV, doorbell or other footage that could assist with enquiries to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 65 01/04/26."

Members of the public can also submit information online through the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Alternatively, anonymous tips can be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org/.