Infants are ‘lucky’ to escape injury as home is attacked

Danielle Coulson, 24, who lives in the house with her three-year-old son and nine-month-old daughter, said they are “very lucky” that no one was hurt in the attack at around 10.35pm. Seven windows were smashed.

Two large stones went through the glass in the living room where the boy was sitting and three smashed the baby’s bedroom window.

“It was just lucky that I was in the back bedroom with her, trying to get her over to sleep,” said Danielle, who added: “It’s frightening to think what could have happened.

“I have never had any trouble or been involved in anything and for this to happen to us is disgusting.”

Danielle said her plight was made worse on Monday when she reported the damage to the Housing Executive and was told that it would board-up up the windows, but would not replace the glass. “That’s just unbelievable,” she commented.

A spokesman for the housing body said: “It is Housing Executive policy that the replacement of broken windows is the responsibility of the tenant and they are advised of this when they take up their tenancy. The Housing Executive also strongly recommends that tenants arrange for home contents insurance so that they will be protected against accidental damage, loss or theft.

“In this instance, we have offered to replace the windows for the tenant, who could then pay back the cost of the windows over a number of months. This offer was declined by the tenant.”

Larne police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to ring 0845 600 8000; or if they prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.