Gardai are investigating a house fire in a property in Belgooly, Co Cork last night.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after the blaze broke out at around 10.45pm on Tuesday.
The house was near-gutted in the fire, with a neighbouring house also damaged, but thankfully there were no injuries, Cork Beo reports.
A garda spokesman said: "Gardai are investigating a fire which occurred at a house in Belgooly, Co.Cork at approximately 10.45pm, last night Tuesday 3rd of July.
"The house was unoccupied at the time and no injuries occurred.
"A technical examination will take place. Investigations are ongoing."
Virgin Media News' Paul Byrne captured footage of the aftermath of the fire and, speaking to Red FM on Wednesday morning, he revealed that locals spotted a man fleeing the scene.
"My understanding is that a man wearing a balaclava was seen running from the house shortly after the fire had taken hold," he said.
"It's also believed that a petrol bomb may have been used to start the fire. This may have been thrown through a window at the rear of the house.
"Right now, the scene is sealed off. Fire personnel have left but the house remains sealed off and later this morning, Garda technical experts will carry out a detailed examination.
"As of now, it is being treated as a serious incident."
