Distretto Nord

Lealisti rivendicano attacco contro famiglia cattolica

Loyalists claim bomb attack on Catholic family

pipebombPolice investigating a pipe bomb attack in which an Antrim family-of-five narrowly escaped with their lives have not ruled out paramiltary involvement or a sectarian motive.

Patrick Quinn, his wife Siobhan and their two sons and daughter — aged 21, 20 and 15 — were left shocked after the attack on their semi-detached home in Brantwood Gardens at around 4am yesterday.

The device caused damage to the front of the property. The Quinn family, who are Catholic, are said to have lived in the Greystone area of the town for more than 20 years and have suffered no trouble in the past.

It is understood a claim of responsibility was made to a local media outlet by a loyalist grouping.

Antrim Mayor Adrian Watson described the attack as “an utter disgrace”.

“The Quinns are a quiet Catholic family living in a mixed part of the borough for about 20 years and have never caused anyone any trouble,” he said.

“I talked to Siobhan during the morning and the family is absolutely devastated. They’re a hard-working family who contribute much to society. Indeed, while I was at the house, her husband had to rush off to do a job. I believe he’s self-employed in the building trade.

“I also spoke to several neighbours and they are deeply shocked by the incident. There has never been any trouble at Brantwood, and hopefully this will be the last. It’s high time this sort of this was consigned to the history books.”

Detectives are keen to interview two youths seen on bicycles in the area around the time of the blast, and the PSNI are appealing for anyone — especially milkmen — who may have been in Antrim at the time of the explosion to come forward with information.

The UUP councillor added: “It was a powerful device and a lot of damage was done to the house. The front window was blown in, a lot of glass was smashed and there was a lot of damage done to the living room area.

“The front door also suffered damage, and forensics spent quite a lot of time at the scene. Thankfully none of the Quinns were hurt in the blast, and that’s the main thing.

“But it really is a despicable attack on the home of decent people and I hope and pray it doesn’t happen again. They are intent on staying in their home.”

South Antrim Alliance MLA David Ford condemned the attack. He commented: ”I am concerned that there was allegedly paramilitary involvement, and I would urge anybody with any information to contact the police.”

The PSNI said last night it was not ruling out a paramilitary or sectarian motive and appealed to anyone with information to contact the force on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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René Querin

Di professione grafico e web designer, sono appassionato di trekking e innamorato dell'Irlanda e della sua storia. Insieme ad Andrea Varacalli ho creato e gestisco Les Enfants Terribles.

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