‘Sectarian’ attack in Garvagh
An SDLP MLA has said an arson attack on a Catholic family in Garvagh, Co Londonderry, was sectarian.
A teenage girl was in her family home on upper Main Street on Monday at around 12.25am when she witnessed a flash and loud bang outside.
A car was found on fire on the street – a second vehicle was also torched at Millview Gardens.
A NI Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said a fire engine was tasked to the scene after two cars were deliberately set alight.
Police are treating the arson attacks as a hate crime.
John Dallat, who is a friend of the family, said he had no doubt the incident was sectarian.
He said it was the second time they have been targeted.
“All political representatives must send out a clear message that those involved in this type of sectarian bigotry represents no-one and they need to be caught before they murder someone,” the SDLP MLA said.
“This is the lowest form of cowardice anyone could be involved in and will be rejected by the local community.
“There’s absolutely no reason for it, this just an ordinary family working hard to make ends meet, not involved in anything of any description.”
He added: “It’s just mind-boggling that we still have people who are going round prepared to commit arson to hurt other people.”
Mr Dallat added that the house could have lit due to the close proximity of the car and called for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “I want these people caught before they do actually murder someone.”
Investigating officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
