Man arrested over car attack linked to 'death threats'

A man has been questioned about an attack on a car linked to alleged death threats against an ex-soldier in Co Antrim, it emerged today.

The suspect, aged 21, was arrested after the Mitsubishi Shogun was smashed up outside a house in Ballymena’s Dunclug estate.

He was chased and caught by the 4x4’s owner, a former serviceman who is understood to be at the centre of a dispute with republican paramilitaries operating in the area.

The victim today refused to comment amid attempts to resolve the situation.

It is believed the row flared last Wednesday when an Irish tricolour was taken down in Dunclug.

A group calling themselves the Catholic Reaction Force allegedly issued warnings against the ex-soldier they claimed took down the flag.

Mainstream republican sources branded them little more than anti-social people with loose connections to dissident factions.

Police were then called in, with those close to the situation disclosing that an inspector was given the tricolour in return for a pledge that the death threat was lifted.

But late on Sunday night the car was battered with hammers, shattering the windows and inflicting major damage.

The owner is understood to have sprinted from his house, barefooted, and chased down a man.

Police today confirmed they were called to Dunclug Gardens at the time.

A PSNI spokesman said: “All the glass on a four-wheel drive Mitsubishi was smashed outside a house.

“As a result of that a 21-year-old was arrested and later released pending further inquiries.”

He refused to discuss any death threats that had been issued, adding that police always take the necessary steps to warn those whose security may be at risk.