The home of an Irish prison officer has been targeted in a “cowardly arson attack”, according to the Prison Officers’ Association (POA).

Gardaí (Irish police) said it had started an investigation into an incident of criminal damage at the property in Trim, County Meath, on Monday.

No injuries were reported in the fire which began at about 23:30 local time.

The POA said the attack “could have led to loss of life” and was “extremely sinister”.

The body represents prison officers in the Republic of Ireland.

Its deputy general secretary, Gabriel Keaveny, added: “We have no doubt that this horrific attack related to the prison officers work.”

Mr Keaveny called for Ireland’s justice minister, Helen McEntee, and the Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, to “take whatever action is necessary to ensure that prison officers and their families are safe in their own homes”.

“The government have a responsibility for the safety and security to its employees,” he added.

The association also requested an urgent meeting with the director of the prison service to discuss the attack.

There have been “similar instances of attacks on prison officers homes in the past”, he continued, “which understandably are a shocking ordeal for prison officers and their families”.

Police said their enquiries into the incident are ongoing.