Her nine-year-old daughter was also in the property at the time but escaped injury in the incident in Wellington Street, Greenock, at about 11.05pm on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old woman was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment, where she remains in a stable condition.

Other residents in the block were evacuated while firefighters tackled the blaze, which caused substantial damage to the property. They were later allowed home.

The fire took place in a property in Wellington Street, Greenock. Pic: google

Police appeal

Police are appealing for information and are keen to hear from anyone who saw a small white vehicle in the area at the time.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff, of Greenock CID, said: “This was a sickening, unprovoked attack which targeted a woman and her child whilst they were in their home.

“There will be those within the community that will know who is responsible and I would encourage you to please do the right thing and come forward with information.

“From our inquiries, we know that a small white vehicle was in the area at the time of the incident and it was seen to drive off at speed after the attack in the direction of the junction of Wellington Street and Duncan Street.

“If you saw this vehicle or possibly have CCTV or dashcam footage you can review, I would urge you please do so and contact us if you have any information.”

He added: “Around 10 minutes later, a white Suzuki Splash, with registration number GK14 FZE was driven into Skye Street in Greenock at speed.

“Three men got out of the car and ran off down Skye Street and into Rankine Street. They are all described as being in their late teens and of skinny builds.

“The driver was wearing a black scarf covering the lower part of his face and a black zipped hooded top.

“The front passenger is described as wearing something over his head with a grey zipped top with the hood up and the rear passenger is also described as having something over his head and also wore a grey zipped top with the hood up.”

Police received reports that a white Suzuki Splash was on fire in Skye Street at about 2.20am on Thursday.

They are investigating whether the vehicle, which was reported stolen from Denholm Terrace in Greenock in the early hours of Wednesday, was involved in the fire in Wellington Street.

Mr Wagstaff said there is not believed to be any risk to the wider public but additional police patrols will be carried out in various areas of Inverclyde.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 4105 of Wednesday, September 16. Alternatively, if they would prefer to remain anonymous, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

‘Sickening and unprovoked attack’ - Woman seriously hurt in deliberate fire in Inverclyde as 9-year-old daughter escapes injury and police hunt trio