The family who whose home was attacked overnight in Co Antrim has blamed loyalists for the attack.
Frank and Maureen Burleigh were trapped in their house at Linn Road in Larne after a petrol bomb ignited in the downstairs hall while they slept.
As he recovered at his daughter's home nearby, Mr Burleigh (57) said today: "These people were aiming to kill. It's just naked sectarianism and they pick on a family of Catholics until they drive them out. I never want to go through that again. It was terrifying".
Mr Burleigh only moved into the house in a staunchly Loyalist area of the town after they were intimidated out of their previous home in the nearby Craigyhill Estate.
All three victims were treated at the scene for smoke inhalation as the flames were extinguished. The front porch of the house was badly burnt in the fire with extensive smoke damage throughout the inside.
Divisional fire officer Brian Marley said the family had a lucky escape. "They were at the first floor window of the property so the brigade used ladders and assisted them to safety," he said.
"My understanding is the smoke alarm they had in the property actuated and alerted them to the fire."
Danny O'Connor, SDLP Assembly member for Larne, said the bombers realised their victims would be trapped. He said: "They knew full well that the family would be in bed asleep and they tried to burn the stairs which would be their only escape route.
"Anybody who looks at this as anything other than attempted murder needs their head examined".
PA