DUP MLA Ian McCrea’s car burnt outside house
The car of DUP Mid Ulster MLA Ian McCrea has been destroyed by fire.
Mr McCrea found the car in flames outside his home at about 0400 BST on Sunday. He said it was only yards from his home and a gas cylinder.
“Nothing will remove the terror of this event from the minds of my three young children who had to be lifted from their beds and taken to safety.
“I expect to be the target of verbal criticism but targeting my family home is outrageous,” he said.
Mr McCrea thanked the police and fire service for their “swift response”.
“Whilst no one was injured, this situation could have been a lot different had the gas cylinder exploded or the house caught fire,” he added.
“We could be dealing with several fatalities.”
The deputy first minister and Sinn Fein MLA for Mid Ulster, Martin McGuinness, said there was no justification for an attack on a family car.
“Those who carried out this attack are attempting to heighten tensions as we reach the height of the marching season and this action must be condemned,” he said.
First minister and fellow DUP MLA Peter Robinson “unreservedly” condemned the attack.
“I know those responsible do not speak for their community,” he said.
“Regardless of our political views, no one has the right to engage in such criminal and hate-filled behaviour.”
Police are treating the fire as suspected arson and have asked anyone who noticed unusual activity in the area to contact them.
