Petrol bombs thrown at police responding to arson attack in Down

Petrol bombs were thrown at police officers in Co Down (Niall Carson/PA)

Petrol bombs were thrown at police officers as they responded to a report of arson at a premises in Co Down.

The incident occurred at a car sales business in the Antrim Road area of Ballynahinch at 1.50am on Friday.

A PSNI statement said: “Damage was caused to a window and carpet of an office in the area.

Police are appealing for information following a report of arson at business premises at the Antrim Road area of Ballynahinch on Friday 27th October: https://t.co/WflhEOBQ3h pic.twitter.com/k7z6Lh0MXM

— Police Newry, Mourne and Down (@PSNINMDown) October 27, 2023

“Upon arrival of officers, two petrol bombs were thrown at police and smashed on the ground a distance away.

“A further petrol bomb was thrown during the incident, but thankfully there were no reports of any injuries.

“As police left the area, it was reported that a further two petrol bombs were thrown towards the business premises, as well as the discovery of another petrol bomb located on top of a car which burnt itself out.

“No further damage was reported to police.”

Police said a number of homes were searched as part of the investigation.

Two petrol bombs were seized and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of breach of bench warrant.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 110 27/10/23.