Two families escaped injury after masked men attacked homes and vehicles in Newtownards during three incidents police believe are linked. The first attack took place in Bristol Park, where a family home was targeted, while a second home in Weavers Grange and a business on Victoria Avenue were also damaged.
Police said children were at home during the first incident, and firefighters were later called to a fire in which a minibus and car were burnt out and a commercial property was extensively damaged. The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) confirmed the Victoria Avenue blaze was started deliberately.
What happened in Bristol Park?
The Bristol Park attack took place at about 22:50 BST on Sunday. Police said a gang smashed the windows of a family home before trying to set a car on fire.
"A family, including children, were at home at the time of this attack and this must have been a terrifying experience,"
Det Sgt Marley, from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), said the masked men were dressed in dark clothing and used a hammer to smash the front windows and a door window of the home.
"The men also attempted to light a carton filled with accelerant, and threw it into the vehicle. It failed to ignite."
How did the Victoria Avenue fire spread?
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said it was called to the fire on Victoria Avenue at 23:25 BST. It was reported that a minibus and a car were ablaze, and the fire then spread to a commercial property.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire, which NIFRS has confirmed was started deliberately.
What happened at Weavers Grange?
About five minutes after that attack, police were called to Weavers Grange where masked men in dark clothing had smashed a living room window with hammers. Police said another family were in the property when their sofa was set on fire by a petrol bomb.
"Thankfully, no injuries have been reported but it's completely unacceptable that members of our community should be placed at such grave risk,"
Marley said the residents of Weavers Grange do not want to return to the violence and intimidation they have suffered in the past.
"The residents of Weavers Grange do not want to return to the violence and intimidation they have suffered in the past."
The officer added that police believe the incidents are linked and are following a number of lines of enquiry.
"We believe that these incidents are linked and are following a number of lines of enquiry.
"There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days as our investigation continues."
Police said there will be an increased presence in the area in the coming days as the investigation continues.
Key Facts
- The attacks happened in Newtownards, including Bristol Park, Victoria Avenue and Weavers Grange.
- Police believe the three incidents are linked.
- Children were at home during the Bristol Park attack.
- NIFRS said the Victoria Avenue fire was started deliberately.
- No injuries were reported.
