A family in Donaghcloney has been left badly shaken after a car was deliberately set on fire in a late-night arson attack
The blaze broke out in Baird Avenue shortly after midnight in the early hours of Tuesday, March 31, with emergency services called to the scene at around 12.23am.
One fire appliance from Lurgan Fire Station attended the incident.
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: “Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the scene was handed over to the PSNI. Firefighters left the scene at 1.02am.”
The vehicle was extensively damaged, but there are no reports of any injuries.
DUP councillor Mark Baxter, who visited the scene on Tuesday morning, condemned the incident as “reckless and dangerous”.
He said: “I am very sorry to hear that a car was deliberately set on fire in Baird Avenue just after midnight, causing significant damage and distress.
“I was down at the scene this morning to see for myself the damage caused and it is absolutely horrendous.
“My thoughts are with the family affected by this incident. Knowing them, it is clear this is a case of mistaken identity, which makes it all the more concerning and upsetting.
“This was a reckless and dangerous act that could have had far more serious consequences. It is vital that those responsible are identified.”
Cllr Baxter urged anyone who may have been in the area around midnight to come forward.
“I am asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around midnight to come forward,” he added.
“If you have CCTV, dashcam footage, or any information at all, no matter how small it may seem, please report it to the police on 101 or contact me in confidence.
“Information can make a real difference in bringing those responsible to account and preventing further incidents.”
Police are expected to conduct further enquiries following the handover of the scene from fire crews.
