Masked men ‘smash’ and burn car in NI seaside town - another car found gutted nearby - PSNI not investigating link between these incidents and burning of car 24 hours earlier

Two masked men smashed the windows and set alight a car in the early hours of this morning in Ballycastle.
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This is the third suspected arson attack - in as many days - in the town.

Inspector Roxborough said: “Shortly after 1:35am, it was reported that two masked men approached a blue coloured VW Bora parked at the Boyd Court area of Ballycastle and smashed the windows of the vehicle

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“The men then placed something inside and set it alight, which completely destroyed the vehicle.

16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle - this time in the Boyd Court area16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle - this time in the Boyd Court area
16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle - this time in the Boyd Court area

“A blue coloured Skoda Rapid which was parked near to the other vehicle was also damaged during the incident.

“Shortly after 9:50am on Wednesday 16th September, it was reported to police that a car was found completely destroyed at the Isle Road area of Bushmills.

“Police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident”.

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Inspector Roxboroufgh said enquiries are continuing and at this stage and “police are not investigating a link between either of these incidents and a report of arson which occurred in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle on Tuesday 15th September”.

16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle -  this time in the Boyd Court area16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle -  this time in the Boyd Court area
16/09/20 For the second night in a row a car has been destroyed in an arson attack in Ballycastle - this time in the Boyd Court area

“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in either of the areas at the times of each incident, to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 112 16/09/20. A report can be made using the online reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport. Information can also be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said a call was received about a fire in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle at 3.33am on September 15.

He added that one appliance from Ballycastle Fire Station attended the incident.

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“Firefighters were called to reports of a car on fire on Leyland Drive,” he said. “They wore breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am
15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 4.02am”.

Meanwhile NIFRS were called to an incident at 1.35am on September 16 at Boyd Court in Ballycastle.

One Appliance from Ballycastle Fire Station attended the incident.

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The spokesman said that firefighters “wore breathing apparatus and used one hose reel jet to extinguish the fire”.

15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am
15/09/20 The scene of an overnight arson attack in the Leyland Drive area of Ballycastle, a car was set alight round 3.30am

“The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 2.06am”.

And NIFRS were called to another fire at 2.13am on September 16 at Isle Road, Ballycastle.

A spokesman said: “Firefighters were called to reports of a car on fire on Isle Road, close to the junction of Straid Road. They used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to have been deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 2.36am.”

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