A vicious Waterford gang carried out a petrol bomb attack which has left two children hospitalised tonight.
The sickening attack which was described as a "disgusting act of cowardice" took place in the Ardmore Park estate around 9pm this evening.
A gang who have been responsible for a wave of crime in Waterford and are a major target for gardai are the prime suspects in carrying out the attack.
A one-year-old girl, Lexy Halligan, who was in hospital earlier today for another matter was rushed back to hospital with burn injuries.
An 11-year-old was also injured in the attack.
Other people were also in the house including the children's grandmother Nelly Halligan and a three month old baby.
The attack is part of a campaign of intimidation in the town.
The gang had issued threats to another woman know to the family earlier in the week and just two days ago members of the family told the Sunday World that they were worried they would be attacked,
The same gang were responsible for a petrol bomb attack outside the home of Sinn Fein Councillor John Hearne earlier this year.
Mr Hearne is a friend of the family attacked to night and was warned by gardai earlier this year that there were threats against his life by the gang who were angered when he encouraged local people to go to gardai over crimes committed by the gang.
He told the Sunday World: "People could have been killed tonight. Luckily the grandmother had a fire extinguisher so put out the flame quickly. Sadly two of the children have had to go to hospital. What happened tonight is a disgusting act of cowardice. This gang has repeatedly targeted women and children and need to be tackled."
One man has been arrested in connection with the incident.
