BBC News NI
BBCResidents in Lurgan, County Armagh, have returned to their homes after an arson attack on a house in the town on Saturday morning.
It happened at a derelict property – believed to be a listed building – in Windsor Avenue at about 01:00 BST.
A number of residents had to leave their properties while the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) tackled the blaze.
No injuries were reported, NIFRS said, but significant damage has been caused.
Councillor Peter Haire, from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), told BBC News NI: “We are lucky there were no injuries.
“There are businesses and houses right beside and we could be looking at a different story today.
“This is a listed building and it was once beautiful to look at.
“The owners don’t live in the country. It’s devastating.
“I appeal to those behind this arson attack to stop.”
Two women who work at the adjacent New Haven cafe told BBC News NI they were “very lucky we have jobs today”.
“We are right next door to where the fire was and were very lucky it didn’t spread into the cafe,” Joanne said.
Barbara, who works with Joanne, said it was “such a shock wakening up to this”.
“No one wants this. Whoever is behind it must stop. Somebody could have been killed,” she added.