Thug wanted for setting woman on fire travelled to scene on ‘black electric bike’ as failed attack target details emerge

Detectives are probing if the incident was linked to drug-related intimidation
A THUG wanted after setting a woman on fire travelled to her home on a black electric bike, The Irish Sun can reveal.

Investigators are now trawling CCTV as they try to trace the suspect’s movements leading up to the sickening attack at in Clondalkin, Dublin, on Tuesday.

Gardai believe the intended target was a woman who was known to convicted burglar Francis Maguire, 49.

But when the female, 42, answered the door of the property she was doused in petrol before being set on fire.

The victim spoke to Gardai at the scene before then being rushed to hospital suffering horror burns.

One source said: “The person who committed this appalling incident arrived and fled on an e-bike.

“The belief is that Maguire was the intended target but the suspect committed the act as soon as the door opened.

“It was a cowardly attack on a vulnerable woman, who posed no threat.

“Gardai are now in the process of gathering CCTV in the hope the suspect can be identified.”

She was helped at the scene by Maguire, who also suffered a number of burn injuries to his hand.

The woman — who was regarded as vulnerable — tonight remained in a critical condition in hospital.

Detectives are probing if the incident was linked to drug-related intimidation.

Another theory is that the suspect was paid by a local drugs gang to commit the vile attack.

The Garda probe is being run from Clondalkin Garda station and officers hope to speak to the woman once she’s been given the all-clear by doctors.

The source added: “Hopefully the victim’s condition improves and she will be in a position to speak to Gardai.

“This was a traumatic incident for her and she faces a long road to recovery.”