The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said today, November 14, that detectives are appealing for information following a petrol bomb attack on a residential property in Holywood, Co Down in the early hours of this morning.
“Just after 3:30 am, we received a report of a house on fire in the Dunville Park area of the town,” Detective Sergeant Westbury said on Tuesday.
“Officers attended along with colleagues from NIFRS [Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service] and the fire was extinguished.
“The resident of the property thankfully escaped without injury; however extensive damage was caused and his two pet dogs sadly died in the blaze.
“This is being treated as arson and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed anyone suspicious in the area or anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage that could assist with enquiries, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 115 of 14/11/23.”
The PSNI added that people can also submit a report online using the non-emergency reporting form via psni.police.uk/makeareport/. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org.
The News Letter reports that police do not believe the attack is linked to an ongoing feud between loyalist gangs in North Down.
Alliance Party MLA Andrew Muir said on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: "I am distraught that two dogs have paid the price for this senseless act of arson in the Dunville Park area.
"Petrol bomb attacks have no place in Holywood or anywhere in NI."
I am distraught that two dogs have paid the price for this senseless act of arson in the Dunville Park area. Petrol bomb attacks have no place in Holywood or anywhere in NI.
If you have any information, please contact PSNI on 101 quoting 115 of 14/11/23.https://t.co/iRY7bwkxxN
— Andrew Muir MLA (@AndrewMuirNI) November 14, 2023
UUP councillor Linzi McLaren, who represents Holywood and Clandeboye, said the incident was "awful news" but added that the "culprits do not represent the good people of Holywood."
Awful news from Holywood this evening. I'm glad the man got out OK but the death of his beloved dogs is a terrible tragedy. The culprits DO NOT represent the good people of Holywood
BBC News - Holywood: Two pet dogs die following petrol bomb attackhttps://t.co/Ctq3ijw85b
— Linzi McLaren UUP (@mclaren_linzi) November 14, 2023
Less than three weeks ago, the PSNI reported another incident involving petrol bombs.
Inspector Campbell said on Ocotber 27: “Shortly before 1:50 am, police received a report of a fire at a car sales business in the area. Damage was caused to a window and carpet of an office in the area.
"Upon arrival of officers, two petrol bombs were thrown at police and smashed on the ground a distance away.
"A further petrol bomb was thrown during the incident, but thankfully there were no reports of any injuries.
"As police left the area, it was reported that a further two petrol bombs were thrown towards the business premises, as well as the discovery of another petrol bomb located on top of a car which burnt itself out. No further damage was reported to police.
“A number of nearby homes were searched as part of the ongoing investigation. Two petrol bombs were seized and a 16-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of breach of bench warrant."
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