Arson bid on Eugene McMenamin's home

An attempt was made to set fire to the home of an SDLP politician in Co Tyrone tonight.

West Tyrone MLA Eugene McMenamin said his house in Strabane was targeted shortly after 10pm, when he heard a bang outside.

Mr McMenamin said: “There was a sheet of flame in front of the living-room window.

“Outside there was a heavy smell of petrol, as the car had been doused.

“The idea seems to have been to ignite by throwing a lit rag tied to a stick, but it failed to catch.

“The house has been attacked before, but I had hoped this type of cowardly attack was over.”

The MLA said the arson attack may be linked to his recent condemnation of bomb alerts which have caused the blockage of roads in the town.