Oil tank in blaze

Trees and brambles in an alleyway behind Dill Avenue were set alight on Sunday night, causing an oil tank and bins in a nearby back garden to melt.

It followed just days after a garden shed in the same row of houses was destroyed by a malicious blaze (see the opposite page for more details).

It’s understood the victim of the latest incident, who has just moved into the area, was not targeted specifically by the arson attack.

The fire service confirmed three appliances attended an oil tank fire at Dill Avenue on Sunday at 6.42pm. They said the fire had been started deliberately and police had been informed.

"This type of senseless activity which can be called nothing else but thuggery has to stop,” said Sinn Fein Councillor Johnny McGibbon.

He added: “They’ve used something to set the dried trees and brambles on fire in the alley and it’s spread to the oil tank and then the bins. There was oil in the oil tank. They’re very lucky they didn’t cause an explosion."

The Sinn Fein man stated: “According to local residents the majority of this small group of antisocial youths who are putting the lives of residents at risk come from outside the area. I would call on the parents of these young people to accept their responsibilities and ensure that their children are not running wild and creating havoc with other peoples lives.

"These people need to realise that their actions will have consequences,” he continued.

“Their behaviour is antisocial, criminal, and is putting the community at risk. Any one with information about these fires should pass that information on to the relevant authorities so that this type of behaviour can be brought to an end."