Polish couple targeted in attack
A loyalist terror group has admitted responsibility for a pipe bomb attack targeting the house of a Polish couple in Antrim.
The device was left outside the couple’s home on the Steeple estate, sparking a security alert on Wednesday morning.
A number of homes were evacuated and access to Parkhall Primary School was affected for a time, as army bomb experts examined the suspicious object found in the Seacash Drive area of the town.
The device has been taken away for further examination, a police spokesperson said.
PSNI Area Commander Chief Inspector Natalie Wilson condemned those who would “take the law into their own hands”.
“Police and the community find it unacceptable for individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands,” she said.
“Vigilantism only continues the cycle of violence and we would strongly encourage anyone with information about this or any other attack to contact police directly.
“There has been some speculation in the local community in recent weeks with regard to crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The most appropriate channel for reporting such incidents is through the local police.”
This incident came after graffitti was daubed on a wall in the area warning foreign nationals they would be targeted.
The Polish couple in their 20s, who have lived in Northern Ireland for over six years, have been described by local politicians as extremely quiet and hardworking.
DUP MLA for the area Trevor Clarke said: “Once again we have homes of families evaluated inconveniencing not only them but children seeking access to school.”
“I urge people to cooperate with the emergency services in order to allow them to do their work.”
Sinn Féin councillor Noel Maguire said: “The use of an explosive device and the claim from a shadowy organisation is an escalation of an existing threat that the people of Antrim can do without.
“There is an obvious racist motive behind this attack and the attack on another Polish family on Monday and it needs to be condemned by everyone opposed to such deeds.”
The SDLP’s Gráinne Teggart said: “The positive contribution Polish families and other immigrant families make to the local community is in stark contrast to the negative, sinister and despicable contribution of those responsible for this alert.”
Alliance representative Neil Kelly expressed his disgust at the attack.
“This device could have severely injured or killed any person walking past this house. These incidents must stop before a life is lost.”
Police investigating the incident have appealed for information. All roads have re-opened.
