Northern Ireland

Three teenagers arrested after Newtownabbey house targeted with fireworks

Three teenage boys have been arrested after fireworks caused major damage to a house in Newtownabbey. Picture by Hugh Russell.
Three teenage boys have been arrested after fireworks caused major damage to a house in Newtownabbey. Picture by Hugh Russell. Three teenage boys have been arrested after fireworks caused major damage to a house in Newtownabbey. Picture by Hugh Russell.

THREE teenage boys have been arrested after fireworks caused extensive damage to a house in Newtownabbey.

A police spokesperson said that by around 2pm yesterday, it was reported that fireworks were thrown through a front window of a house in the Old Church Road area.

"The property was extensively damaged, but no-one inside the house at the time of the incident. Colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service attended and extinguished the fire," they said.

“Two 14-year-olds and a 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. All three have been released on police bail to return for questioning at a later date."

DUP councillor Victor Robinson has warned other young people in the area of the dangers of fireworks, and has called on greater vigilance from parents and the PSNI.

"As far as I'm aware nobody was living in that house at the moment. But at this time of year people can be hurt with fireworks and it all depends where they get them," he said.

"Some people sell fireworks to young people and the police really need to look at the source.

"I know it is difficult for young people to buy them in the shops."

He added: "Young people also need to respect property. I know there used to be cases of people putting bangers through letterboxes and I thought all of that was finished.

"Parents should always be aware of where their children are even though I know it can be hard to keep track of teenagers."

Police enquiries are continuing and anyone with information has been asked to call 101, quoting reference 1362 for October 30.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 11 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.