Northern Ireland

Car belonging to Sinn Féin activist in Derry set on fire

The car was set alight during the early hours of Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
The car was set alight during the early hours of Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin The car was set alight during the early hours of Saturday. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin

SINN Féin has condemned an arson attack on a car belonging to a party activist in Derry.

Brian Moore and his family escaped injury after the vehicle was set alight in the Creggan area during the early hours of Saturday.

The car was parked at Lislane Drive when it was targeted at around 4am.

Police said they were treating the attack as arson with intent to endanger life.

"Extensive damage was caused to the vehicle while damage was also caused to guttering and fascia boards of the house," a PSNI spokesman said.

"This was a reckless attack and those responsible for this crime showed complete disregard for the two adult occupants of the house and other residents in the area.

"We are fortunate no-one was injured."

Sinn Féin assembly member Raymond McCartney said it "could have been much worse as the family were in the house at the time".

“The criminal elements responsible for this attack have nothing to offer but continually bring a bad name to Creggan," he said.

"They should get off the backs of the community."

Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious to contact them.