Neighbours who alerted residents of two blocks of flats to an oil tank fire near their homes have been praised for their actions.
The alarm about the inferno in Carnhill in Derry was raised at 6.35am yesterday.
A number of elderly residents were among those who were alerted to the blaze which is being treated as arson.
Condemning those responsible, SDLP Cllr Angela Dobbins said the blaze would have resulted in the loss of life only for the “prompt actions” of neighbours.
Cllr Dobbins said: “The residents of these flats were asleep and only for the prompt actions of people nearby there definitely would have been a tragedy.
“As a former Carnhill resident for over 20 years it is heartening to know that the friendliness and support of neighbours still exists.
“Those who had to be evacuated from their homes were cared for by their neighbours.
“I commend the fire service for their prompt response and the couple who raised the alarm and ensured everyone was out of the building.”
Cllr Dobbins concluded: “I urge anyone who may have seen or heard anything to contact PSNI.”
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