Petrol bomb attack ‘deeply troubling’

Shortly after 3.40am on Sunday, police received a report of criminal damage to a vehicle parked at Carson Street.

A PSNI officer told the Times that the culprits had smashed one of the windows and poured petrol inside the car before setting it alight. He added that the vehiclehad been “gutted” by the blaze.

The NI Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene within 10 minutes and quickly put the flames out. No one was injured in the attack.

Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson condemned those behind the incident and said: “I am disgusted at this senseless attack. It is deeply troubling that anyone could bring themselves to carry out an act of this nature.

“My thoughts are with the owner of the vehicle and this must be a very difficult time for them. To have something that is your property damaged in an incident like this must be very traumatic. People in the area are shocked at this disgraceful incident and I would appeal to anyone with information on this to contact police immediately.”

The police spokesman said crime scene investigators had been called in to gather evidence, but a motive for the attack has yet to be established.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact police in Larne on 0845 600 8000.

Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.