The Newry family caught up in a gas explosion at their home earlier this month have thanked their neighbours and local community for their support.
A woman and four children were injured in the explosion which happened nine days ago.
Emergency services responded to the incident in the Barcroft area of the city around 6.30pm.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said three boys aged 12, 10 and six, as well as an eight-year-old girl were injured in the explosion.
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A 34-year-old woman was taken to the Ulster hospital for a severe burn to the hand.
The family have offered their thanks through Newry, Mourne and Down Sinn Féin Councillor Liz Kimmins.
As the family face the likelihood of being unable to return to their home before Christmas, they have thanked their neighbours, the Fire Service, the Barcroft Community Association and all who helped them at the time of the incident and have been so supportive since then.
Councillor Kimmins said: “The family are in emergency accommodation at the minute and are not so sure when they will be able to return to their home. The damage involved means that it may not be ready for Christmas.
“The family wish it placed on record their sincere gratitude to the Fire Service and neighbours who attended the scene and unselfishly helped them.
“The neighbour next door to the family in particular showed great courage and composure in the immediate aftermath of the gas explosion.
They would also like to thank the Barcroft Community Association for their support.
“We in Barcroft are proud of our community bond and once again it came to the fore in response to this incident which, thank God, didn’t end with serious injury or loss of life.
“Hopefully we will get this family back into their home as quickly as possible.”
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