Investigations are continuing into a suspected arson attack in Co. Louth, which left an elderly woman in a serious condition in hospital.

The woman in her 70s was asleep in the house on Chord Road in Drogheda when the blaze broke out at around 1 o'clock this morning.

Her neighbour, a man in his 30s, saw the fire and ran into the house and saved the woman.

Both were taken to hospital. The pensioner is said to be suffering with severe burns, while the man received minor injuries.

Gardaí believe the fire was started deliberately and are appealing to anyone who may have been in the vicinity of the house last night to contact Drogheda Garda Station.