PSNI launches murder bid probe after takeaway delivery driver’s car torched
A DELIVERY driver who is lucky to be alive after his car was doused in petrol and set on fire may have been the victim of mistaken identity.
Police are treating Tuesday night’s terrifying incident in Newtownards as attempted murder.
The victim, who is in his 40s, returned to his car after the occupant of a property in Fairfield Place denied calling for a delivery from a local takeaway.
As he sat in the vehicle and phoned staff at the takeaway, two men approached him and covered the vehicle in flammable liquid before setting it alight.
A resident who witnessed the badly shaken but uninjured driver being comforted after the frightening incident said locals had been left horrified.
“I heard a bang but didn’t think much of it because someone had been letting off fireworks earlier in the evening,” they said.
“I couldn’t believe it when I looked out. He is extremely lucky because this could have had a very different ending.”
It is understood the man, who lives locally, had only been covcould ering the delivery shift on behalf of someone else. One source suggested this driver may have been the intended target.
The PSNI said the man was able to escape from the burning vehicle before firefighters extinguished the blaze.
“Two males were seen approaching the scene from the Meadow Park area of the town at around 10.30pm, and then observed after the incident running down an alleyway close to Fairfield Place,” police added.
“We would be keen to speak to these people as we believe they may have information that help our investigation.” Strangford Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong condemned the “sick individuals” behind the incident and urged witnesses to contact police.
“I am shocked by this incident and know everyone in the local community will be as well,” she said.
“I am thankful the man was able to escape unharmed.
“There is absolutely no justification for these actions, and as the pair may attempt this again, it is crucial they are apprehended as soon as possible.”
DUP councillor Naomi Armstrong-Cotter said she believed the delivery driver had been called out to a carefully planned ambush.
“This happened in a very quiet cul-de-sac within a cul-de-sac, and was well thought out and meticulously planned,” she said.
“I can’t fathom why anyone would do something like this.
“I actually questioned why police were so quick to treat it as attempted murder, but not once I attended the scene.”
Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1413 of 6/2/18.