NI: Petrol bomb attack 'linked to feud'

A petrol bomb attack which injured three people appeared to be the latest episode in a bitter feud between two families, it was claimed today.

One person was being treated for serious burns after the attack on a house in New Barnsley Crescent, west Belfast, shortly after 10.10pm last night.

A woman and two friends were in the house at the time.

Sinn Féin councillor Marie Cush appealed for an end to the violence.

“I know the young woman well and have sat down with her on several occasions before,” she said.

“I am appalled at this incident. We have made many calls for these attacks to stop and we continue to condemn them.

“There is no place in the community for people who continually attack property and endanger the lives not only of those who live in the houses that are being attacked but of those living next door to them.

“People have had enough. They are sick of it.

“If the people behind these attacks are going to pull each other apart, they should know they are not going to pull this community down with them.”

In September, police said £1m (€1.5m) had been spent since February on dealing with more than 600 incidents linked to the feud.

The incidents have ranged from arson attacks to threats to murder.