Northern Ireland

Pet dogs die in arson attack in Co Down

The house in Dunville Park, Holywood, which was targeted in an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday. Picture: Mark Marlow
The house in Dunville Park, Holywood, which was targeted in an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday. Picture: Mark Marlow The house in Dunville Park, Holywood, which was targeted in an arson attack in the early hours of Tuesday. Picture: Mark Marlow
By Paul Ainsworth

TWO pet dogs have died after a house in Co Down was targeted in an "sinister" petrol bomb attack.

A fire was reported at a property in the Dunville Park area of Holywood shortly after 3.30am on Wednesday.

Firefighters extinguished the blaze, which caused "extensive damage" to the house, police said.

The resident of the property escaped uninjured, though his two pet dogs died as a result of the fire.

Police are investigating possible lines of inquiry, but do not believe the incident is linked to a feud between rival loyalist groups in the North Down area.

“This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 115 of 14/11/23," a PSNI spokesperson said.

Ards and North Down UUP councillor for Holywood and Clandeboye, Linzi McLarnon, told the Irish News: "I'm shocked and appalled that this attack has happened, and I can only imagine the grief the owner of the dogs must be feeling at this horrific loss.

"The area is a tight-knit community, and I'm sure locals will be rallying round to offer support. I would urge anyone with information on this sinister attack to please contact police, or to contact myself in confidence if necessary."

North Down Alliance MLA Andrew Muir said he was "distraught that two dogs have paid the price for this senseless act of arson".

“There is simply no place for petrol bomb attacks in Holywood, North Down, or anywhere in Northern Ireland, and those who carried out this attack represent no one in our community. The vast majority in our society have moved past this kind of violence," he said.

 “I applaud the NI Fire and Rescue Service for their heroic response to this fire, and would urge anyone with any information to contact PSNI. This is the second incident to involve a petrol bomb in recent months and there needs to be consequences for whoever's responsible for this appalling crime, which could easily have resulted in even further loss.”