Arson attack on home 'sectarian'

A window was broken in the living room and petrol poured in

The owner of a north Belfast house targeted by arsonists said he believed the attack was sectarian.

A window of the house on the Crumlin Road was broken just before 0400 BST, and a quantity of petrol was poured in and set alight.

A couple sleeping upstairs discovered a blaze in the living room and used a fire extinguisher and wet tea towels to try to dampen the flames.

One person was later treated for the effects of breathing smoke.

Michael Ferguson of Sinn Fein said the attack was "attempted murder".

"This kind of attack is synonymous of the 12th celebrations for Catholics and nationalists in north Belfast," he said.

"The family who lives here is very lucky to be alive."

The family said it was not the first time the house had been attacked, but this incident had caused the most damage.

The family have appealed for no retaliation.