Family to move following attack

Members of the family of six did not want to be named, but have told the Sentinel they are determined to move out despite a family connection to the area going back 65 years.

Although neighbours have pleaded with the family to stay in their home, they fear a repeat attack that could have more serious consequences.

The drastic decision to leave Drumahoe was forced by an attack last Tuesday (October 12) when a gang of between six and eight males - the family believe motivated by sectarianism - smashed the front windows and door of their Fincairn Road home

A fourteen-year-old daughter was sitting in the front living room just minutes before the thugs attacked and narrowly escaped injury when a smashed window sent shards of glass flying everywhere.

The mother of four whose family has lived in the Fincairn Road area of Drumahoe for over 50 years was not at home at the time of the attack but is now so fearful for her daughters' safety she is willing to leave.

"My main concern is that my daughter could have been badly injured," said the concerned mother.

"Maybe months on down the road, before Christmas, who knows, it might happen again. We don't know. It might never happen again. It might just be a fear tactic to get us out. We don't know," she added.

The householders believe the gang must have used breeze blocks in order to put the double glazed windows through.

The Sentinel were also shown a firework used in the attack. The woman said between six and eight males were witnessed running away.

"To do it so quick. They must have all been at a window each. I don't know how they did it," she said.

The windows and door of the house were finally repaired on Monday - one week after the attack - but the damage to the family's health and peace of mind will endure.

"It's just very scary," said the worried mother. "The way it is now you hate to see it getting dark. I've been to the doctor and everything. I had to get medicine. My nerves are wrecked. I'm just stressed out."

The family say they will stick by their decision to move despite the pleas and support of their neighbours.

"I'm from here and my husband is originally from Claudy," the woman said. "I never had one bit of bother from any neighbour that lived here."

Police are appealing for witnesses following the attack which was reported to them around 8.30pm on Tuesday (12th).