Arson attack on Sinn Fein worker's car
Police are treating the incident as a hate crime
Last updated 21st Feb 2017
Police are investigating a petrol bomb attack on a car in Bangor last night.
Fire crews were called to Towerview Crescent at 10.30pm.
The Sinn Fein leader says the vehicle belonged to one of her party's election agents.
"I absolutely condemn tonight's arson attack by masked men on the car of a Sinn Féin election agent in Bangor. Michelle O'Neill said;
"This is an attack on the democratic process but it will not deter the local candidate or anyone else in Sinn Féin.
"There are clearly those who are intent on turning this into a brutal campaign and sectarianising the election.
"I am calling on all party leaders to condemn this attack on democracy and send a clear message to those responsible that this will not be tolerated.
"Despite this and other attacks, Sinn Féin will continue to stand for equality and respect and integrity in the institutions."
Two masked men were spotted in the area at the time. PSNI Superintendent Brian Kee said:
"Around 10.30pm on Monday, 20 February, police received a report of a black Citroen C4 Picasso set on fire while parked in Towerview Crescent. The window of the vehicle was smashed and a petrol bomb thrown inside. Two masked males were seen in the area at the time."
“We are treating this incident as a hate crime and would like to hear from anyone who has information that may help our investigation. We can be contacted on 101, quoting ref: 1291 200217.”
Ulster Unionist candidate for North Down, Alan Chambers, has condemned the attack as an attack on the democratic process:
“I totally condemn the petrol bomb attack that took place last night in Bangor in which a car belonging to a Sinn Fein election agent was set on fire.
“No one involved in an election campaign should be subject to any form of violence. This was a blatant attack on the democratic process by a small minority and actions such as these are not welcome in our society. Attempts at intimidation must not deter people from taking part in this election. Opinions must be expressed freely at the ballot box to let the voters decide, never on the street.
“Luckily no one was harmed during this attack and I thank the dedicated work of the Police Service of Northern Ireland in dealing with the situation.