'Hate crime' probe after arson attack

Siobhan O'Shea's vehicle, walking aid and chair were destroyed in the blaze which was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She and her husband Alan and their three-year-old daughter left their home at Craigyhill Bungalows the same day, saying: "We can't take any more of this."

Siobhan has cerebral palsy and cannot walk without a frame. She told the Larne Times: "I lived in Antiville all my life. I never had any bother and we have never done anybody any harm."

Read the full story exclusively in this week's paper. It wasn’t just a car that was burned; the vehicle is Siobhan’s lifeblood and for it to be taken away from her in this manner is scandalous.

“I don’t know what the person or persons who did this are trying to achieve, but if they have some kind of a grudge there are lines of communication out there whereby these things can be resolved peacefully. There are community leaders and elected representatives who can use their influence.

“It’s too late for the O’Sheas, but it does Larne no favours if people are being forced out. We thought we were past all that and we don’t want to go back to it.”

Police have appealed for the public’s help in solving the crime. “Anyone who noticed the culprits in the area, or anyone who has any information regarding the incident is urged to contact the police at Larne PSNI Station,” said the spokesman. The telephone number to ring is 0845 600 8000, email [email protected]

Alternatively, information about crime can be passed anonymously to the Crimestoppers charity by calling 0800 555 111.