Northern Ireland

Attacks on properties in Bangor and Newtownards linked to loyalist drugs feud

Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann
Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann

There have been further attacks on properties in Co Down in what police believe are part of a feud between two UDA drugs gangs.

Last night, a petrol bomb attack took place at a house in Bangor while bricks were thrown at another property in Newtownards and petrol was poured onto the driveway.

There was also a petrol bomb attack at a block of flats in Newtownards.

Ten properties in the North Down area have been attacked in recent days, including with pipe bombs and petrol bombs.

There have also been attempted hijackings and graffiti daubed on properties.

Detectives investigating the recent attacks last night charged two men.

One of the men, aged 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, possessing petrol bombs in suspicious circumstances and throwing a petrol bomb.

Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann
Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann

A second man, also 30, has been charged with arson endangering life with intent, intimidation causing a person to leave a residence or occupation, making a petrol bomb, possession of a class B controlled drug and throwing a petrol bomb.

They are due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates’ Court today.

Three men aged 29, 50 and 53 who were arrested under the Terrorism Act have been released after questioning.

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In response, police have increased patrols in the North Down and Ards areas.

Speaking about the latest incidents, North Down and Ards District Commander, Johnston McDowell said: “Officers received a report shortly before 9.20pm that a house had been petrol bombed in the Ballyferris Walk area of Bangor.

“We then received a second report at 9.30pm of damage being caused to a property in the Glenbrook Road area of Newtownards.

Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann
Damage caused to property’s in Ballyferris Walk in Bangor. Picture Mal McCann

“It was reported at least two men threw bricks through the front window of the house and poured petrol onto the driveway.

“Police then received a third report at approximately 9.40pm of a petrol bomb attack at a block of flats in the Wallace Place area of Newtownards.

“These incidents are linked to an ongoing feud between two rival drug gangs and police are following a number of lines of enquiry.

Death threat graffiti in loyalist estates in Bangor
Death threat graffiti in loyalist estates in Bangor

“Thankfully, no injuries were reported on Tuesday evening. I would also like to extend my thanks to our colleagues from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service who attended.

“We are appealing to anyone who was in these areas at the reported times, and saw anything suspicious, to call police on 101."