Police are investigating a possible link to an “ongoing loyalist feud” in Newtownards following an arson attack overnight.
The PSNI said the vacant property in the Weaver’s Grange area was targeted after midnight and said an “accelerant” was poured over the door and through the letterbox.
They branded it as a “reckless” attack and said the fire could have had “serious consequences” for nearby properties.
PSNI Detective Inspector Ryan said: “Just after 12.40am, we received a report that our colleagues at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service were at the scene of a fire.
“Officers attended and noted that the fire had caused extensive damage to the front door and smoke damage throughout the house.
“The Fire Service confirmed that this had been started deliberately when an accelerant had been poured over the door and through the letterbox.
Detective Inspector Ryan added: “This was a completely reckless attack which could have had serious consequences for those in the neighbouring property. Thankfully, our Fire Service colleagues were able to extinguish the blaze before it spread to them.
“We are following a number of lines of enquiry, including a possible link to an ongoing loyalist feud in the area.
“I would appeal to anyone who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area at the time of the fire or to anyone who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact detectives on 101 quoting reference 40 of 17/11/24.”
Last year, the Weaver’s Grange estate was at the centre of a loyalist paramilitary feud sparked in March when the South East Antrim UDA said they had expelled members living in the town.
The move left those members without the support of the paramilitary group, but the deposed loyalists refused to leave, saying they would be operating as the Real UFF.
The gang had clashed with a rival UDA faction and homes and businesses were attacked.
Around 30 families fled the area during the feuding, with an almost constant police presence for weeks on end.