Northern Ireland

Cancer sufferer to leave north Belfast home after property damaged in 'fireworks attack'

The boarded up front door following the arson attack at the house at Dunmore Walk. Picture by Ann McManus
The boarded up front door following the arson attack at the house at Dunmore Walk. Picture by Ann McManus The boarded up front door following the arson attack at the house at Dunmore Walk. Picture by Ann McManus
By John Monaghan

A CANCER sufferer has said he will not return to his north Belfast home after the door and hallway of the property were damaged in an arson attack.

The man believes he is the victim of mistaken identity following the attack at his house at Dunmore Walk off Antrim Road shortly after 7pm on Friday.

The 51-year-old said that "by the grace of God" he was not in the property when "seven to eight fireworks taped together" were lit and put through his letterbox.

The remains of the original front door which was destroyed in an arson attack. Picture By Ann McManus
The remains of the original front door which was destroyed in an arson attack. Picture By Ann McManus The remains of the original front door which was destroyed in an arson attack. Picture By Ann McManus

"The inside of the door went up like a Roman candle. The whole place billowed with smoke. I was in absolute shock," he told The Irish News.

The man, who did not wish to be named, grew up in west Belfast but has been living in the north of the city for several years.

He moved into the social housing development at Dunmore Walk some months ago, and has had "no major issues" at the property.

The man is currently awaiting a date to be fixed for an operation for prostate cancer.

"There have been issues with people's cars in the area getting scraped. However, seven to eight fireworks taped together is not the work of kids. It was adults and was done with intent," he said.

"I think it was mistaken identity but I am not going to stay here.

The inside of the property at Dunmore Walk after fireworks were taped together and put through the letterbox. Picture by Ann McManus
The inside of the property at Dunmore Walk after fireworks were taped together and put through the letterbox. Picture by Ann McManus The inside of the property at Dunmore Walk after fireworks were taped together and put through the letterbox. Picture by Ann McManus

"I have carers and I need to be close to family and hospitals, but I would go to Timbuktu if I could. I would like to go to greater Belfast or the country," he added.

The door, which has since been removed, was destroyed in the attack and smoke damage was also caused to the hallway.

Police appealed for anyone with information to phone on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have appealed for information following the attack. Picture by Ann McManus
Police have appealed for information following the attack. Picture by Ann McManus Police have appealed for information following the attack. Picture by Ann McManus