Gardaí in TV appeal for information following an arson attack outside a residence in Limerick

LIMERICK gardaí are appealing for information following an arson attack at a family home where a car was set on fire.

This occurred just hours after the suspects stole a vehicle in broad daylight, Crimecall has reported.

On Thursday, February 27 gardaí received reports of a number of connected incidents across the city.

"What first began with a car being stolen from a shopping centre car park ended with arson at a house with the family inside," said Garda Michael Ryan on the RTE television programme. 

Just after 4:45pm on the day in question, the owner of a white Mazda Demio was inside the Crescent Shopping Centre with their car keys in their possession. However, just moments later, two suspects are seen on CCTV footage entering the car before taking off.

The car was seen entering a filling station in Sixmilebridge just before 6pm. The driver stopped at the fuel pump and opened the car door before changing his mind and driving off. The registration of the stolen vehicle was 142-L-2766. 

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Three hours later, the car was once again picked up on CCTV making its way to the Thomond Park area of Limerick city, this is where the most serious incident occurs. At 9:25pm, the driver stopped outside a property on Hogan Avenue in Kileely where two suspects emerged from the car. One from the passenger seat and another from the back seat. 

They can be seen running into the driveway of this home and setting a light to a number of bottles, before throwing them towards this house. The family were inside at the time. 

A suspect can also be seen on video footage pouring liquid over a parked car in the driveway before setting it on fire and subsequently damaging the vehicle. 

They ran back to the car that was stolen earlier that day, they left the area, passing through Hassetts' Cross and towards the Shelbourne Road. Just before 9:30pm, gardaí received a report of the white Mazda Demio on fire in the Hillcroft Close area of Garryowen. It had been completely burnt out. 

"This was a deliberate act against the family in their home which could have resulted in serious injury. We're asking anyone with information to come forward so these suspects can be identified," said Garda Michael Ryan. 

If you have any information on these suspects, please contact your local garda station or alternatively, you can contact Crimecall on 1800 40 50 60.