Gardaí are appealing for information relating to an incident of suspected criminal damage by fire at a residential property in Waterford City, in the early hours of Thursday.

Gardaí and emergency services responded to a report of a fire in the Lisduggan area of Waterford City, that occurred at approximately 2.50am.

Fire services extinguished the fire and made the area safe. The scene was preserved for technical examination.

Gardaí believe this was an act of arson and that a petrol bomb was used to break a downstairs window and engulf the property in flames.

A male aged in his 50s was taken to University Hospital Waterford for injuries believed to be non-life threatening at this time. Three dogs perished in the fire.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or noticed anything suspicious in the Larchville area of Lisduggan, Waterford City, between 2:00am and 3.15am on the morning of Thursday 16th April to contact them.

Anyone who may have video footage from the area between those times (including CCTV and dash cam) is asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on (051) 305 300, the Garda confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

Investigations are ongoing.

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