Three cars were set alight and destroyed on Thursday at the home of a police officer in Northern Ireland.
Police in the Northern Irish town of Larne attended the officer’s address on Glenarm Road after receiving a report of three cars on fire in the early hours on Thursday.
All three cars were destroyed by fire, which also caused scorch damage to the house, but the officer, his wife, and daughter—who were asleep at home—were not injured.
“Thankfully, no injuries have been reported in what was a terrifying ordeal for the officer and his family. There are no words to describe those who would set fire to vehicles in the dark of night outside a family home when the occupants were asleep inside. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the officer who every day serves our community with dignity, respect, and courtesy,” he added.
“At the present time we are keeping an open mind as to the motivation behind this attack, however, a primary line of enquiry is that criminal elements may be responsible. Detectives have now initiated a full investigation, which I can assure the community will be thorough and robust.”
McCubbin appealed to locals for information.
“I would take this opportunity to appeal for the help of the people of Larne and further afield in identifying those responsible,” he said.
“Were you in the Glenarm Road area late last night of [sic] early this morning? Did you see anyone or anything you felt was suspicious? Do you have any information about this incident? No matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please get in touch.”
Simon Byrne, the chief constable at the Police Service of Northern Ireland, condemned the attack.
“I fully condemn this outrageous attack on the home of our officer. I have spoken to him this afternoon to offer him and his family my full support. There is no place in our society for this behaviour and it must stop,” Byrne wrote on Twitter.
Naomi Long, justice minister of Northern Ireland, said the attack was “appalling and cowardly.”
“Our police officers put their lives on the line on a daily basis to keep us all safe. My thoughts are with this officer, their family, and colleagues,” she added.
“This violence achieves absolutely nothing and needs to stop.”
