Mother and two children escape unhurt after arson attack on Co Donegal home

A car was set alight outside the house at Abbey Park in Manorcunningham just before 4.30am.

The flames from the car then spread to the house which was also partially damaged.

Neighbours heard a loud bang and managed to alert the family to the danger and helped them from the house.

It is not understood anybody was hurt during the attack.

One neighbour said "There was a bang and when we went out the car was ablaze. Other neighbours banged on the door and got the woman and her children out.

"It was very frightening. Nothing like this has ever happened around there before."

Gardai attended the scene of the attack and the car has since been removed for an examination.

Local county councillor and chairperson of the Joint Policing Board, Gerry McMonagle called for anybody with any information on the attack to contact Gardai.

"Its a terrible act and especially the fact a family with a woman and children involved. Anybody with CCTV footage should work with Gardai to catch these people.

"This type of incident is very rare in Manorcunningham and we don't want these type of people coming into the village."