Petrol bombers attack house in drug dispute

Petrol bombers who attacked a home in Northern Ireland in a dispute over drug dealing could have burnt a family to death, it was claimed today.

Two devices were thrown at the house in Antrim’s Springfarm estate as a bitter dispute intensified.

Scorch damage was caused to the Barra Street property in the overnight attack, but a couple and their children who were inside escaped injury.

As detectives hunted for the bombers, community worker Seamus Davis claimed the victim had been targeted because he had objected to drugs being sold.

He said: “This man spoke out against these people coming into the area and this has been the response.

“There were kids in that house and they all could have been burnt to death.”

Police confirmed they are not treating the petrol bombing as sectarian.

One man was arrested at the scene and questioned before being released without charge later.

The attack came amid heightening tensions in Springfarm, with residents becoming increasingly frustrated at some of those now being allocated houses.

In one incident rival factions fought with hatchets in the street last week, according to reports.

Ken Wilkinson, the Progressive Unionist Party’s spokesman for the area, claimed drug dealers were threatening to destroy the estate.

“It’s sad to see the area fall back into these ways after the problems it has had with unsolved murders and now the drugs fraternity,” he said.

“The Housing Executive and other authorities need to consult with the community before people are given houses, especially since the police know their criminal records.”

Mr Davis claimed the latest attack has now forced others to quit their homes.

He said: “This place is becoming like a cemetery. People have approached me wanting out, saying they can’t stay here any longer.

“This is all about anti-social behaviour and drugs and the police need to get a grip of it before lives are lost.”