Drug dealers areblamed for petrol bomb attack on car

A CAR belonging to an anti-drugs campaigner in Knockmore has been petrol bombed.

Lagan Valley DUP Assembly member, Jonathan Craig, has condemned the attack in the early hours of Monday morning and other recent attacks and threats which he said had been made by individuals involved in drugs.

Mr Craig said Monday’s petrol bombing occurred after an outcry over an 18-year-old man taking his own life last Saturday. He says the young man’s death has concerned many local community activists and residents in the Knockmore and Old Warren areas who believe that those involved in drugs are ultimately responsible for his death and other threats in the area.

And he has urged the PSNI and local community to work together to prevent further deaths and threats.

Mr Craig, who is a member of the Policing Board, said he had met local community representatives, the PSNI and the individual who had received threats and attacks on her property.

“I wholeheartedly condemn the attack on the car in Knockmore and I welcome the positive approach being taken by members in the local community to actively reduce this evident drug problem” he said.

“It is a terrible tragedy that involvement in drugs has forced this young man to take his own life and as a local representative this is disturbing to hear.”

Mr Craig said there had been a public outcry via social media after the young man’s death.

“I believe there are many vulnerable young people who have been drawn in by individuals who deal in drugs and I appeal to them to come to the local police and to bring to their attention those who are responsible before another life is lost in Lisburn” he said.

Lagan Valley MLA Paul Givan also condemned those responsible for the petrol bombing.

Mr Givan said, “It is a despicable act by those who many believe are targeting a lady because she is standing up for her community. 

“On Friday I, along with local community leaders, walked around the Knockmore Estate with the Police District Commander and we identified areas that could be improved to make it more difficult for the small group who are intent on engaging in anti-social behaviour to operate.

“Knockmore is a well-established and respectable estate and the local community have come forward to work with the police and other statutory organisations and are making it clear drug dealers are not welcome and they will not be allowed to intimidate local people who are standing up to protect their area and children.

“This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated and I appeal to local people to continue working with the police, providing information, until these people either stop their activity or are removed from the streets and put before the courts.”

Councillor Pat Catney also expressed his concern. He said: “This is a deeply worrying event and obviously undertaken with considerable malice. It must have been a very frightening experience for those who witnessed it.”

A PSNI spokesman said: “Police in Lisburn are investigating a petrol bomb attack on a car in the Knockmore estate.

“The vehicle was parked outside a house at Drumlough Gardens when it was attacked just before 2.30am. A number of people who were inside the house had to leave their home while the NIFRS dealt with the fire.

“The car was extensively damaged.

“Police are appealing for witnesses and for any information that could assist in the investigation. Officers can be contacted on 0845 600 8000. Or if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details the Crimestoppers charity can be contacted on 0800 555 111.”