The rear of the McFeely home at Temple Park following the arson attack.
A family who had a lucky escape when arsonists set fire to an oil tank in the rear garden of their Derry home have called on those responsible to explain why they did it.
Danny McFeely said his family and neighbours in the semi-detached house next door were lucky to be alive following the incident which took place at their Temple Park home in the Skeoge area at around 2.45 am on Friday last.
The damaged roof of the McFeely home.
Police have confirmed the blaze, which destroyed the oil tanks in the gardens of both homes as well as a large wooden cabin in the home of the McFeelys, was malicious.
The roofs, doors and windows in both homes were also damaged.
Both homes also suffered smoke damage.
A dog, one of two family pets rescued from the blaze, remains seriously ill.
Mr McFeely, a lecturer in outdoor education at the North West Regional College and a highly-respected voluntary worker known for his involvement in local community projects, said he was “at a loss” as to why his home had been targeted.
He said: “I have no idea why anyone would do this. It is beyond all comprehension. We are lucky no one was killed. A neighbour in another house happen to be up and looked out the window and rushed and banged on both doors shouting ‘fire, fire.’
“We have a lot to thank her for. If she had not have done what she done the fire would have spread to both houses and there is no doubt in my mind someone would would have been killed.
“We just want to know why? There has to be somebody out there who knows who done this and why it was done.
Mr McFeely said the family had been living a “nightmare” since the incident.
He added: “It is not knowing why it was done. We are worried it could happen again, not just to us but to anyone. Those behind this have to be caught because if they did it once, they are capable of doing it again.
Mr McFeely said both families had received great support.
He said: “We have got amazing support from family, friends and neighbours, especially on the night. They have rallied round and given us great support.”
The rear of the house next door following the blaze.
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