Detectives are appealing for information following three attacks - on two homes and a business - in the Newtownards area late on Sunday night, 26th July.

Detective Sergeant Marley, from Criminal Investigations Department, said: “At around 10.50pm a number of masked men, dressed in dark clothing, attended a home in Bristol Park and smashed the front windows, door window and car windows with a hammer. 

“The men also attempted to light a carton filled with accelerant, and threw it into the vehicle. It failed to ignite. 

“A family, including children, were at home at the time of this attack and it must have been a terrifying experience.

“A short time later, at around 11.25pm, our colleagues from Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service advised that they were in attendance at a fire in the Victoria Avenue area. Two vehicles – a bus and a car – had been totally burnt out and extensive damage had been caused to business premises. Fire Service confirmed that ignition was deliberate. 

“Finally, just after 11.30pm, we received an emergency call that a number of masked men, wearing dark clothing, had smashed a living room window at a house in Weavers Grange with hammers, before throwing a petrol bomb inside, setting a sofa alight.

“Again, a family were at home at the time. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported but it’s completely unacceptable that members of our community should be placed at such grave risk. The residents of Weavers Grange do not want to return to the violence and intimidation they have suffered in the past.”

Detective Sergeant Marley continued: “We believe that these incidents are linked and are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area in the coming days as our investigation continues. 

“We are appealing to anyone who was in these areas at the reported times, and saw anything suspicious, to call police on 101, quoting reference 1588 of 26/07/26.

“We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage on the route between these locations."

Alternatively, you can contact police online using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org