A woman suffered facial burns when arsonists torched an Internet cafe in Belfast in front of terrified staff and customers, it emerged today.
A dozen others had to be treated for smoke inhalation following the attack on the Revelations outlet at Shaftesbury Square in the city centre.
Two men burst into the premises last night and doused it in petrol as people were ordered to get out.
The cafe was then set alight, causing extensive damage. One woman who had been using a computer had to be treated for minor burns to her face.
As police investigated a motive for the attack, Detective Constable Rab Lynne said the victims had suffered a horrific ordeal.
"Some of those who were using the facilities are from Asia, some people from Europe who are trying to get in contact with friends and family around the world," he said.
"They are subjected to this form of attack and they are quite shaken by it."
The attack was the second time the business has been targeted in the last two weeks.
A firebomb found outside the premises was defused by army explosives experts. The SDLP Assembly member for South Belfast, Ms Carmel Hanna also condemned the arson attack.
Ms Hanna said: "This cafe has been the subject of threat for the past few weeks and obviously the owners, staff and customers must be very stressed after last nights events.
"As yet the motive of the arson attack is unclear but any act of violence that causes threat to peoples lives, property and business must be condemned.
"I ask anyone with any further information on this incident to contact the police."
PA