Lucky escape for man (70s) after house door was 'deliberately' set on fire in Newbridge amid fears of Halloween pranks

By Kim O'Leary

Gardaí in Newbridge are appealing for CCTV footage from homeowners after a front door to a home was allegedly deliberately set on fire in the Highfield housing estate in Newbridge during the early hours of this morning.

It is understood that a man aged 79 who was in the property at the time was miraculously uninjured after his dog woke him up when the blaze started at around 4.20am this morning.

Speaking to KildareNow, one shocked resident said: "The fire burnt out on the door and it is believed as being set deliberately. Gardaí are looking to see for any footage or information. The person we are suspecting has been involved in incidents like this before."

Meanwhile, with the Halloween season approaching, there are fears of Halloween pranks where items are left on fire on doorsteps.

Kildare Fire Service has issued a reminder to homeowners and business owners that tyres, pallets and waste timber may be removed and used for stockpiling bonfires by youths.

Anyone with information in relation to this incident is being asked to contact Newbridge Garda Station on 045 431 212.