Police examine link in fire probe

The PSNI and Gardai are investigating a possible link between four men being treated in a Dublin hospital for serious burns, and an attack on a couple in County Armagh, in which they were set on fire.

The incident happened at around 9pm on Monday evening, when a gang of up to six men broke into the couple's home on the Foley Road, Tassagh, in Keady, doused the pair in a flammable liquid and set them and their home alight.

They were taken to hospital where they are still be treated for their injuries.

The woman, who has been named as 21-year-old Lisa McClatchey is described as being in a “critical condition”, while her partner Thomas O'Hare, 33, is said to be “serious but stable.”

Approximately one hour after the attack happened, four men believed to be brothers were admitted to a hospital in County Louth suffering from serious burns.

The men, who are all described as being “stable, but critical”, have since been moved to St James's hospital in Dublin.

A spokesperson for the PSNI said that they would be working closely with the Gardai, and would be contacting hospitals both north and south of the border to check if anyone has recently been admitted for treatment for burns as they are looking for six suspects.

Commenting on the incident, Detective Chief Inspector David McConville from the PSNI said: “Two innocent people were in their own home at around 8.45pm, when five to six men forced their way in to the house, doused the people and their home in petrol, and set them alight. This is an extremely nasty and vicious attack, which police are treating as attempted murder.”

Detectives investigating the crime have ruled out robbery, sectarianism, or racism as possible motives for the attack.

No arrests have been made.

Police have appealed for anyone who may have any information in relation with the incident to contact them on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF)