Monday night was not the typical night home from church for Moeshaas after leaving the place of worship, she went to her house on Oddman Lane, Grants Pen, St Andrew and stared death in the face.

The woman said she returned home sometime after 10 p.m. and settled in for bed when the frightening episode unfolded.

"I was in my room about 1 a.m. (Tuesday) when I heard 'splash!' on my house and then I saw a big bright light. It was then I realised that gas was thrown on my house and that they were setting it on fire, " the woman said.

locked up

Moesha took her phone and tried to call for help, but her door was kicked open by a masked man who took the instrument from her then locked she and her daughter in a room. The distraught woman said they managed to escape after kicking off the door and running from the house. Both women were unharmed.

"I see this on the news all the time and I usually feel sorry for those persons because I could only imagine what being burnt out of your house must be like, but now that it has happened to me, I can't believe it," the woman said. "But, I know God is able. I'm just taking it easy. It's hard but it's over. I'm just going to have to find somewhere else to start again."

Moesha's house was one of six set abalze by gunmen in the community, leaving more than 20 people homeless. An elderly lady Beatrice Campbell, 85, was also burnt to death in the attack. Her charred remains were found after firefighters put out the blaze.

Deputy Superintendent Altimorth Campbell of the Constant Spring police, said the attacks result from an ongoing feud between residents of the community. He said no arrests have yet been made but the police are continuing their investigations while maintaining a strong presence in the area.