Moment suspected arsonist set fire to asylum seeker hostel with children inside Four children were among the asylum seekers rescued from the burning building Michael O'Toole Crime Correspondent 19:49 ET, 02 Nov 2025 This is the horrifying moment a suspected arsonist set fire to an asylum seeker hostel with infants and young children upstairs. Several individuals, including four children, had to be rescued from the burning building in Drogheda, Co Louth , Ireland, and some were rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical attention. Article continues below They were saved from the top floor of the International Protection Accommodation Services facility following the inferno, which was reported at 8pm on Friday, reports the Irish Mirror . The assault was denounced by Ireland's leader Taoiseach Micheal Martin and Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan last night. Local Labour politician Ged Nash stated: "Let's be clear. The deaths of children, of families, was avoided last night thanks to the response. Mr Martin posted on X: "To put vulnerable families, including young children, at risk is abhorrent and has no place in our society. Our thoughts are with those affected by this horrifying experience." View 3 Images The suspect is seen igniting the blaze at the International Protection Accommodation Services facility Mr Martin's remarks come after Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan said fireworks were hurled into the building, causing a blaze and endangering lives. He added: "I condemn the criminal attack on a building accommodating people applying for international protection in Drogheda last night. Fireworks were thrown into the building, causing a fire and putting lives at risk. "This was a terrifying ordeal for the women and children living there, a number of whom were taken to hospital." Mr O'Callaghan said alternative accommodation is now being sourced for the residents affected. He further stated: "A full Garda investigation into this arson attack is underway. There will be serious consequences for those responsible." Kirsty Millne, a long-time resident of Drogheda for about 37 years, told RTE that "no one deserves to be treated like that". View 3 Images Babies and children were rescued from the top floor of the building She continued: "Poor families. The kids. How can anyone just be so cruel? It's very sad. Everyone deserves to have a safe home, no matter what country you come from." Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Michelle Hall also voiced her condemnation of the attack. She said: "Obviously we feel the frustration of everybody. But that doesn't mean that we target vulnerable people in our society. Irish people are known for compassion. We were welcomed in other countries. "We have to understand that we extend the hand of friendship as well and we can be angry with the system but we shouldn't be targeting the people." Sinn Fein spokesman on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Matt Carthy, said that those who attacked the site must be held accountable. Mr Carthy added: "The appalling arson attack on the International Protection Centre in Drogheda could have easily resulted in death and serious injuries. There can be no excuse for such action and those involved must be held to account. View 3 Images Ireland's Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan condemned the attack(Image: Mick O'Neill) "This was clearly a very frightening ordeal for those impacted. I want to commend the Fire Service for rescuing people, including small children, from this fire and preventing lives from being lost." Local Labour party politician Ged Nash stated: "That arson is the working assumption of the authorities is chilling and sinister. "Let's be clear. Small babies were hospitalized overnight. The deaths of children, of families, was avoided last night thanks to the response of the Fire Service and gardai (police). "If this fire occurred only a matter of hours later, we could in all probability be dealing with an unspeakable catastrophe this morning." On Saturday evening, police confirmed they were treating the incident as an arson attack. Emergency services were initially called to the blaze at the property on Georges Street at approximately 8.15pm. "Following initial reports of the fire being started by the discharge of fireworks, investigations by An Garda Siochana to date indicate that the fire was started deliberately by person or persons unknown," a spokesperson stated. " An Garda Siochana has commenced an investigation into the attempted arson of this residential property. This was an extremely dangerous act endangering the lives of the residents, including children, who were in their home at the time. "The occupants of the property were safely evacuated and a number were taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital for medical assessment. Follow Irish Star on Google News Click here to follow Irish Star on Google News for local news and features on Irish America. "A senior investigating officer (SIO) has been appointed to lead the investigation from the incident room at Drogheda Garda Station. " Gardai are renewing their appeal for any person with any information on this serious incident to come forward. "Anyone in the Georges Street area of Drogheda between 7.30pm and 8.20pm, yesterday Friday October 31 2025, or any person with information on this incident, is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 9874200 or any Garda Station." For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here . Following confirmation from police that the blaze was deliberately started, Minister O'Callaghan stated: "I received an updated briefing by An Garda Síochána this evening and it appears there was a very deliberate attempt to set fire to the building while families including young children were inside. "This development adds to my concern about this deplorable criminal act. "Those who terrorise people in our communities through acts of arson put lives at serious risk. An Garda Síochána is continuing its thorough investigation and appeal for anyone with information to come forward. I want to repeat that those responsible will be held accountable and brought to justice." Article continues below For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here . Google News Factbox 31614731 Source: https://www.irishstar.com/news/ireland-news/moment-suspected-arsonist-set-fire-36178433