Petrol bomb attack on house ‘could have led to fatalities’
Whatever the reason, this was irresponsible and the only way to deal with this is through the PSNI
A LOCAL councillor has warned that people could have died in an attack on a house in Lurgan on Sunday evening.
Detectives are appealing for information following a report of an assault on two females and a petrol bomb attack at a property in the Headington Manor area of the Co Armagh town.
Police revealed that two women initially got into the house at around 7.30pm and shortly after that incident was reported several masked men attempted to force their way in to the same address before throwing a petrol bomb at the property.
Chief Inspector Jon Burrows said that two women aged in their 20s had been assaulted and he appealed for information. “We received a report around 8.20pm that two females had entered a property in Headington Manor earlier in the evening, around 7.30pm,” he said.
“It was reported two women, both aged in their 20s, were as- saulted. One of the women suffered facial injuries while the other sustained minor leg injuries.
“It was further reported a short time later, around 8.40pm, that a group of around five masked men attempted to force entry to the house and that a petrol bomb was thrown at the property.
“Scorch damage was caused to windows at the front of the house. It was also reported that damage had been caused to windows at the property and to a car parked outside.
“There were no reports of any injuries.”
Sinn Fein councillor Keith Haughian, who lives close to the scene of the attack, said that he had “nothing but utter and total condemnation” for those who were responsible for it. “It was out and out shocking behaviour,” he said.
“The people in the house could have died as a result of these actions and a neighbour has a very young child and they too could
have been killed or seriously injured.
“Whatever the reason behind this attack, it was completely irresponsible and the only way to deal with this is through the PSNI.
“I would appeal for anyone with any information to contact police. This is a quiet residential area near the train station in the town with lots of young professional couples and it’s shocking for all the people who live here.”
The incidents were also condemned by local SDLP councillor Joe Nelson.
“It’s surprising, as this is normally a fairly stable area, with lots of new homes,” he said.
“The area does have a link to Albert Street, where we have seen a few problems in recent months, but it will be a shock to residents to have this happen on their doorstep.”
Chief Inspector Burrows appealed for anyone with information to contact detectives in Lurgan on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1145 of 10//02/19 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.