Elderly woman trapped in her home after vandals torch car

The woman, who did not want to be named, said she had contacted police several times voicing concern that the vehicle had been abandoned and was being vandalised.

However, in the early hours of Sunday morning her mother, who is in her late 70s was awakened by the sound of cracks, bangs and flames battering her window.

The terrified woman rang the NI Fire and Rescue Service who kept her talking until they arrived.

She was trapped in the house as there was no rear access and the car was ablaze outside her front door.

“They were very concerned for her and thought she was having a heart attack and even offered to call an ambulance,” said the woman’s mother.

She said she had contacted the PSNI from October 13 and again on October 27. She also said that she contacted local police last Saturday evening as the car had been badly vandalised.

“I felt I was not being taken seriously by the police officer,” she said. “I was very concerned for my mother. There are a lot of elderly, disabled and young families in Church Walk.”

She explained that the car had been repeatedly vandalised over recent weeks and she felt it had become a target and was very concerned for her mother’s safety.

She said she is very upset and angry that the police were not more proactive in dealing with the vehicle.

The PSNI have appealed for information.

A spokesperson said: “Officers on patrol observed a silver Volkswagen Passat on fire shortly after 5am. NIFRS attended and the fire was extinguished.

“The car was destroyed and damage was caused to two nearby houses. Police are treating the fire as 
suspicious.”

If you have information contact police in Lurgan on 101, quoting ref: 613 011115.