A 4–year–old girl is dead and her mother hospitalised with severe burns, following an arson attack at their home, in Deans Pen St. Mary, this morning (October 18).

The child has been identified as Sariah Kowen.

Reports are that about 4 a-m, the girl and her mother were asleep at home, when the mother reportedly felt a liquid substance being thrown on her, then felt the heat of the fire.

Upon seeing the board and concrete structure engulfed in flames, the mother managed to run to safety.

The fire department was called and following cooling down operations, the charred remains of the child were found.

The injured mother was taken to hospital and admitted in serious condition.

Acting head of the St. Mary Police Deputy Superintendent Kevin Francis said other family members have also been hospitalised.

He added that someone has been taken into custody

Meantime, Member of Parliament for St. Mary Central Dr. Morais Guy has described this morning’s arson attack, that resulted in the death of a baby girl, as tragic and unfortunate.

Dead is 4 year old Sariah Kowen, of Deans Pen district.

Her mother, who suffered severe burns, has been hospitalised.

The MP visited the area earlier today and spoke with the child’s father, who resides elsewhere.

Dr. Guy expressed sadness at the incident.

He said assistance will be provided to the family.