Bombers targeted families for Sinn Fein support

Deborah McAleese:

Police today said that two Coleraine families were targeted by petrol bombers last night because they had supported Sinn Fein in the recent elections.

Acting Chief Inspector Eric Chambers said that the names of people living in the two homes in Harpur's Hill are on a list which has been circulated throughout the estate.

It is thought the list names people who nominated Sinn Fein candidates in the recent council and Westminster elections.

Acting Chief Inspector Chambers added that police patrols are to be stepped up on the estate in an effort to prevent future attacks on others named on the list.

Fire crews and police officers were called to Blackthorn Court in the Harpur's Hill area shortly before midnight after a petrol bomb was thrown at a car.

Scorch damage was caused to the rear of the vehicle.

A few minutes later police were alerted to an incident at nearby Quickthorn Place in which a petrol bomb was thrown at a house but failed to ignite.

The householder heard a bang and discovered a bottle filled with a flammable substance had been thrown at the property.

A police spokeswoman confirmed that police believe the incidents are linked.

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