SF supporters alerted after petrol bomb attacks

A list of Sinn Féin supporters was posted in a town today hours after two Catholic homes were targeted in sectarian petrol bomb attacks.

Detectives are contacting 10 individuals – some from the same family – after they were named on the A4 flyers which were stuck on to shop gable walls in Coleraine, Co Derry.

Police said it was fortunate no one was seriously injured by the two home-made devices and confirmed patrols will be stepped up in the area.

Sinn Féin councillor Billy Leonard condemned the bombings and said party activists should be able live without fear of intimidation.

Acting Chief Inspector Eric Chambers, the officer in charge of the inquiry, said: “The victims of these incidents were members of the Catholic community.

“Both had been living in the area for about 30 years.

“Some of the family members targeted were in their 60s.

“We are treating these incidents as sectarian and condemn these attacks on totally innocent people.

“It is very fortunate that no-one was seriously injured and that there was no extensive damage to property.

“Residents from whatever community they come from must be permitted to live their lives free from intimidation and the fear of intimidation.”

On a motive for the attacks, Mr Chambers said: “There is a link between the names (on the list) and the attacks last night.

“We are quite worried about this development as it has come out of the blue.

“We are stepping up patrols to make sure it does not happen again."

Mr Chambers declined to give any further details about the list.

It is understood six copies of the document – which names both men and women - have been recovered.

Police and fire crews were called to a house at Blackthorn Court in the Harpurs Hill area of the town just before midnight.

A petrol bomb had been thrown at a car parked outside, causing scorch damage to the rear of the vehicle.

Minutes later police were alerted to another attack in Quickthorn Place, around half a mile away.

Police said a homeowner had heard a loud bang, caused by a bottle filled with flammable liquid being thrown at the property. The device failed to ignite.

Sinn Féin Coleraine councillor Billy Leonard said he was appalled by the petrol bombings.

Mr Leonard said: “Obviously I am disgusted by the attacks on the nationalist community in Coleraine and they should be utterly condemned by all sections of the community.

“The unionist community must make it clear to their own community that nationalists should be able to live in Coleraine in peace and should not be subjected to such attacks.”