Car set on fire after crowd of men block Rathcoole street

Just after 1.10am, it was reported that as a man drove along Rathcoole Drive he was obstructed by a number of pallets on the road.

The man tried to drive away however, he was stopped by approximately 10 males, some of whom were armed with what was described as pieces of wood.

It was reported the man was ordered to get out of his vehicle by one of the males, while another got inside the car and drove it a short distance away.

It was reported the windscreen of the vehicle, a white Peugeot 108, was smashed and the car was then set on fire.

The driver was able to leave the scene, uninjured.

Among the males reported to have been involved is a man thought to be aged between 35 and 40 years old, who was bald and wore a white t-shirt and brown shorts.

Another male is described as being aged approximately 30, with black hair and wore a light blue hooded top.

Detective Chief Inspector Dunny McCubbin said: “This was a terrifying ordeal for this man.

“We are continuing with our enquiries today and we would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area and saw what occurred, or who has information which could help our investigation to call us on 101 and quote reference number 116 of 11/07/20.”

A report can also be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

--

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper whenever you are able to do so.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper when you can safely.

You can also enjoy unlimited access to the best news from across Northern Ireland and the UK by subscribing to newsletter.co.uk

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Thank you.