END THE MADNESS

Mum and son escape petrol bomb blaze

A MOTHER and son escaped with their lives yesterday after a petrol bomb smashed through a window and set fire to their living room.

The woman, 55, described those behind the terrifying incident as “sick” and called for an end to attacks in the area. Extensive damage was caused to the house at Walnut Park in Larne, Co Antrim. Police believe the attack may be linked to others in the town over recent weeks which are being blamed on a feud. Detective Chief Inspector Dunny Mccubbin said: “It is believed at this stage that a petrol bomb was thrown through the front window of the house at around 8am. “The device broke the window, ending up in the living room of the property. “NIFRS personnel attended and extinguished a fire. “Two occupants who were in the house at the time of the incident were not injured. “Our enquiries into this incident are at an early stage but a strong line of enquiry is that it is linked to a number of recent incidents in the Larne area. “I would appeal to anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the Walnut Park area on Friday morning or who has any information which could assist us with our enquiries to contact detectives in Larne on 101 quoting reference number 217 28/04/17.” He added potential witnesses can offer information anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Reacting to the news Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson warned someone will be killed if the “ongoing feud in Larne continues”. He said: “This is the latest in a growing line of extremely dangerous incidents. “If these attacks continue it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed. “I would strongly encourage those involved to end the violence before more damage is done and lives are lost. “The nature of these violent attacks puts everyone in the community at risk.” Sinn Fein’s Oliver Mcmullan called on police to act against “loyalist criminal gangs”. The East Antrim Westminster election candidate added: “This latest petrol bomb attack on a house in Larne was wrong and I condemn it. “A mother and son were in the house at the time but thankfully were not seriously injured. “This is the latest of a series of attacks in the town and unless they stop we could be looking at a fatality. “There are clearly loyalist criminal gangs involved in this and the PSNI need to take action against those responsible, including investigating the assets of those directing these attacks.”

I urge those involved to end the violence before lives are lost STEWART DICKSON MLA LARNE YESTERDAY