Arson attack forces mum and children to flee home

A WOMAN was forced to flee her Co Antrim home with her three children in the early hours of yesterday following an arson attack.

The incident happened at Ballydonaghy Meadow in Crumlin at 4.30am.

Sinn Fein South Antrim MLA Declan Kearney said it was lucky there were no casualties.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said the 35-yearold mum and her children were woken up by a loud bang.

“When she went downstairs she saw smoke and flames and broken glass at the door,” he said.

The woman fled from the house with her children aged 15, 11 and 6.

“While no one was injured during this incident, there could have been serious consequences. Extensive damage was caused to the door of the property.

“I am appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area who can assist with the investigation to contact officers in Antrim and Newtownabbey.”

Mr Kearney added: “Those behind this attack against a family home must be apprehended. A young mother and three children were in the house at this time and fortunately we are not dealing with a tragedy today.

“Those behind this attack have shown complete disregard for the lives of the occupants and the safety of other residents in the street.

“The sooner those responsible are taken off our streets the better. I am appealing to anyone with information about this attack to report it immediately to the PSNI.”