A man was treated for smoke inhalation after a bin was pushed against the back door of a house and set on fire in Kells in what police are treating as an arson attack.
A car that was parked at the side of a house was also set on fire at Ballymacvea Road in the early hours of this morning.
Police are appealing for witnesses.
The fire broke out just after 1am.
Firefighters assisted with the rescue of a man who was in the house at the time. It is believed he suffered smoke inhalation.
Detective Sergeant Crothers said: “We are very lucky today that we are not dealing with a more serious incident.
“The perpetrator(s) who carried out this reckless act showed total disregard for the safety of anyone in this property. I would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity at all in the Ballymacvea Road area to contact detectives at Ballymena on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 100 18/12/19. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
