Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Attack on man with learning difficulties
A MAN with learning difficulties had a petrol bomb thrown through his window in what is being described as “a sickening attack”.
Police investigating the incident in Banbridge, Co Down, have appealed for anyone who saw a dark car flee the scene to contact them.
They labelled the early-morning attack a “horrific attempt on an innocent life” and revealed the community has been left stunned.
A PSNI spokesman said: “Detective H is just back in from the scene of a sickening arson attack on Hillview Terrace, Dromore Street, Banbridge, which happened around 5.30am this morning.
“A vulnerable young man with severe learning difficulties was woken by the sound of his upstairs bedroom window smashing in as he lay in bed.
“This was immediately followed by a petrol bomb, thrown at the hole in the now broken window. Thankfully, the disgusting creature who threw it missed, and it set alight against the outside of the window and the window sill below.
“A passing taxi driver raised the alarm and helped ensure ourselves and our NIFRS colleagues were on it quickly.
“When such attacks occur, there is often speculation. Let us be clear – we know of NO reason why this man would be targeted.
“Having spoken to neighbours, they also are baffled, and understandably alarmed and angry.
“This could well be a prime example of why vigilante action and indeed gangland feuding is so dangerous to the wider innocent public and imprecise.
“Whoever carried out this horrific attempt on an innocent life
BANBRIDGE YESTERDAY
should have no where to hide. We have been told a small dark car was seen making off from the area. Do you live locally? Did you see or hear this happen and see anything either immediately before or after that could be of use?
“Are you a taxi driver or were you driving in the area around that time and have dash cam footage? If so, please check it immediately before it wipes over, and contact Detective H on 101 with anything, no matter how small, that may be of use. “You can always speak to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Sinn Fein MLA John O’dowd described the attack as “disgraceful” and urged anyone with information to contact police. Democratic Unionist MLA Carla Lockhart said it was “disgusting and despicable”. She added: “My thoughts are with the young man who awoke to the shock of this petrol bomb attack on his property. The young man was a vulnerable young adult with learning difficulties and someone who is known and loved throughout the area.”